Coasts are at the interface of terrestrial and marine systems, and as such are highly dynamic, diverse, and rich in resources, but also increasingly coming under the pressure of development.  In the past, the study of interactions between natural and anthropogenic systems has tended to concentrate on inland areas due to the interest in exploiting mineral and agricultural resources.  However, as development expands across our coastal zones, awareness of the value and diversity of these systems is emerging in response to their actual and potential degradation.  This course will provide you with an understanding of how coasts have formed from a geological perspective, what processes operate that define the coastal landscape, what the sedimentological, geomorphological, geochemical and hydrological characteristics are of beach and estuarine systems, and how these are modified by human activities.

This course includes a 5 days field trip to Merimbula.  For 2011 the field trip is expected to be held from 14-18 February.  Students are required to pay a contribution towads the cost of the field trip, approximately $250 (excluding food).  Payments may be made at the Cashier, Frank Fenner Building (bld 42) or online at ScienceShop http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and describe how geology and geomorrphology and ocean dynamics exert controls on coastal form and process
2. Understand and describe the impact of anthropogenic activities on coastal processes
3. Undertake field and laboratory based measurement and/or analyses involving surveying, and hydrology
4. Understand how measurements in aqueous geochemistry can be used to interpret relationships between terrestrial and marine waters.

Assessment will be based on:

• Major research report (50%; LO 1,2,3,4)
• Theory examination (50%; LO 1,2,4)

Twenty five contact hours of lectures and  practical work in the first week (5 days), and 40 hours of field work in the second week (5 days) on the NSW south coast

Requires 72 units towards a degree.

GEOL3028

Woodroffe, C. (2005) Coasts: form, process and evolution, CUP.