What is the Average Height of the Bournemouth Beach Coastline?

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Bournemouth Beach is a popular coastal destination located on the south coast of England, within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of Dorset. The coastline of Bournemouth Beach primarily consists of sandy beaches backed by gravel and sandy clay cliffs, which are cut by a number of chines that provide natural access to the shore. The coastline’s average height varies, but it is generally characterized by low-lying cliffs and beaches.

The Coastline’s Topography and Bathymetry

According to the Coastal Processes Report, the bathymetry data provides a more detailed understanding of the coastline’s topography. In Christchurch Bay, the 10m depth contour is located between 0.5 ~ 1km offshore, while in Poole Bay, it is between 3 ~ 5km offshore. This difference in depth limitation affects wave energy and can influence the shoreline’s characteristics.

The report also highlights important offshore features such as Shingle Bank, Dolphin Bank, and Dolphin Sand in Christchurch Bay, and Hook Sand in Poole Bay, which can impact the coastline due to their wave refraction and sediment storage properties.

Factors Influencing the Coastline’s Height

what is bournemouth beach average height of coastline

The height of the Bournemouth Beach coastline is influenced by several factors, including:

  1. Geology: The coastline is primarily composed of sandy beaches backed by gravel and sandy clay cliffs, which can vary in height.
  2. Erosion: The cliffs are subject to erosion, which can cause them to recede and change the overall height of the coastline.
  3. Sediment Transport: The movement of sediment along the coastline, both offshore and onshore, can affect the height and shape of the beaches.
  4. Offshore Features: The presence of offshore features, such as banks and sand deposits, can influence wave patterns and sediment deposition, which can impact the coastline’s height.

Specific Details and Unique Specifications

While the Coastal Processes Report does not explicitly state the average height of the Bournemouth Beach coastline, it provides some useful insights:

  • The coastline is generally characterized by low-lying cliffs and beaches, with varying topography.
  • The 10m depth contour is located between 0.5 ~ 1km offshore in Christchurch Bay and between 3 ~ 5km offshore in Poole Bay, indicating differences in the nearshore bathymetry.
  • Offshore features, such as Shingle Bank, Dolphin Bank, Dolphin Sand, and Hook Sand, can impact the coastline’s characteristics due to their wave refraction and sediment storage properties.

Conclusion

While the exact average height of the Bournemouth Beach coastline is not provided in the available data, the information suggests that it is generally characterized by low-lying cliffs and sandy beaches, with varying topography influenced by offshore features and bathymetry. The coastline’s height is also subject to factors such as geology, erosion, and sediment transport, which can cause changes over time.

Reference:
– Coastal Processes Report (Appendix C)

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