Coastal Typologies To Support Coastal Change Adaptation Management: A Study Of The South West Coast Of England

Sea-level rise, increased coastal erosion and flooding due to climate change is threatening coastal communities across the world. Globally, coastal change management policies include zonation of the coast to restrict development in areas susceptible to coastal change. Defining the extent of the coastal change area can be problematic and is often done using large-scale (>1 km) coastal classifications and estimates of coastal retreat. In this study, we investigate the south west coast of England, using a high-resolution (0.1 km) coastal classification to determine coastal types and their response to sea-level rise. Nine coastal typologies were defined in the study area which covers >2000 km, with a further 41 sub-types. The main coastal types identified in this study are groups of sub-types. This variance in coastal types highlights the need for a mixed model approach for assessing shoreline change. Using this coastal typology, classification will allow coastal managers to apply relevant coastal change projections to identify areas where coastal change management and adaptation policies should be implemented.