Erosion-flooding interaction on a UK barrier

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-temporal (centennial, decadal, event-based) analysis of Blakeney Spit, a mixed sand-gravel barrier located on the UK’s east coast. Since 2006, Blakeney Spit has experienced a less interventionist management approach that contrasts with the earlier regime of periodically bulldozing parts of the barrier to maintain a steeper cross-shore profile. Given recent endorsements of coastal management schemes that work with, rather than against, nature this case study provides a valuable opportunity to quantify the impact of management regime change on shoreline erosion rates, overwash processes and associated flood hazard