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The coastal topography of the Moray Firth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

J. S. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Aberdeen, St Mary's, High Street, Old Aberdeen, Scotland
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Synopsis

The geology, glaciation, deglaciation and sea level history are summarised in relation to the evolution of the coastline. Deglaciation and sea level are established as particularly important factors responsible for the distribution of sand and shingle beach forelands. Forelands in the middle coastline of the southern shore of the firth are currently undergoing relatively severe coastal erosion. It is argued that this results from a diminution of nearshore sediment supplies combined with a unidirectional longshore movement of material along the beach face.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1986

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