COASTAL EROSION, MAPPING, MODELLING & TESTING Real time laser mapping for monitoring


coastal erosion and rockfall 3D Laser Mapping, a global laser scanning technology provider and Durham University have created an innovative monitoring system to provide real time 3D data on coastal cliff erosion. The project is part of a KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership), a scheme funded by Innovate UK, which has a track record of improving businesses’ competitiveness, productivity and performance by accessing the knowledge and expertise available within UK Universities and Colleges.


U


nderstanding the nature and mechanisms of cliff erosion is of vital importance to predicting the likely


future movement of the coastline. Research on eroding coastlines has been limited by the need for surveys of coastal areas, which are restricted to periods of low tides each month.


The project aims to try to understand the processes of coastal erosion by looking at projected increases in sea level and stormy weather. It aims to understand the process through which wave erosion at the base of the cliffs causes undercutting of the cliff slope which results in an unstable cliff and failure of material that falls into the sea. Whilst this process may at first glance appear straightforward, research by Durham University over the last decade has shown current understanding to be largely anecdotal. The linkage between waves and erosion evolves gradually through time, and is one that responds to a wide range of factors, and not just the action of waves alone.


The project seeks to take advantage of uniquely high-resolution, 3D data being continually captured, to generate unprecedented detail on the changes experienced at cliffs. The 3D Laser Mapping Site Monitor system automatically schedules the capture and analysis of 3D laser scan data in parallel


Diagram of the full instrumentation used to make up the system


with environmental monitoring data. The seaside town of Whitby now has one of – if not the most – intensively monitored rock faces in the world.


The project provides constant and frequent measurement of the cliff face, to


allow changes resulting from rockfall to be recorded and analysed in real time. The system is designed to scan the cliff face 24 hours a day at 30 minute intervals. Within each scan measurements of the cliff face are taken at approximately 10 cm


Whitby webcam, 31 March 2015


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Innovation & Research Focus Issue 101 MAY 2015


www.innovationandresearchfocus.org.uk


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