Civil Engineering Association

Coastal Chalk Cliff Instability

Most of the rocky coastlines around the world are subject to active erosion processes. Because of the growing hazard to local communities from coastal cliff retreat, it is necessary to investigate where, when and how cliffs collapse. The results of these studies are vital for the planners and local authorities responsible for safety and access to cliffs and beaches.

This volume focuses on the coastal chalk cliffs of the English Channel, where a multidisciplinary approach has been used to understand active coastal cliff recession. The book is organized around three main themes: the geological factors controlling cliff instability, the marine parameters influencing coastal erosion and the use of some new tools for hazard assessments. This book will be of use to academics and professionals working on rocky shores, with an interest in sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, tectonics, geomorphology, engineering geology, coastal engineering and GIS.