The Physical Impacts of Climate Change on Shoreline Response

Recent assessments indicate that climate change is likely to result in significant changes to both wave climates and sea level. Traditionally, the effect of climate change on shoreline response has been assessed for sea level rise using the Bruun Rule, a simplistic cross-shore equation which can neither account for changes in wave climate or variations in longshore sediment transport resulting from sea level rise. As part of a Masters Research project Chris Huxley developed a methodology capable of addressing this issue in the form of a coupled cross/longshore shoreline response model. This dissertation outlines research completed to develop the modelling approach, including a case study assessment for Wooli Beach in Northern NSW, Australia. The case study assessment provides insight into to the effect that changes in wave climate may have on our coastline compared with sea level rise alone. Additionally, the results highlight the non-uniform shoreline response to climate change likely to impact open coast littoral drift dominated beaches.