Longshore drift at Sidmouth: photographs from the shore

Following on from the study of longshore drift at Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Longshore drift at Sidmouth
and the graphic demonstration of the effects of tidal and wave energy on the coast at Sidmouth 
Futures Forum: The power of the sea - its tides and its waves

here is a further set of photographs taken on 11th February - from Vision Group member Graham Cooper.

The beaches in each section of the Esplanade graphically display the long-shore drift. 

In the west, the sandy beach is very low and the pebbles build up to the groins to the east.

The build at Clifton Beach is by far greater than the other sections, gradually decreasing towards Port Royal and the Eastern Beach which are practically bald. 

Clifton Beach - from the east

Clifton Beach - from the west

York Beach - from the east

York Beach - from the west

Port Royal

All this seems to indicate how the drift and distribution of the shingle is being inhibited by the ramps and groins. One assumes the pebbles would help to scatter the energy carried in the waves, therefore providing some protection to the cliffs. By how much this may reduce the rate of erosion is open to question

This is a clear indication that the groins are interfering with the natural shingle flow and distribution, leaving the eastern cliffs and estuary exposed to the full impact of the sea.

With the current variation in the height and gradients of the beaches we get a clear indication of how the sea's energy is dissipated.

Graham Cooper, Environmental Artist, Art and Architecture, Space related

The East Beach Beach Management Plan Steering Group will be considering these issues over the coming months:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Beach Management Plan Steering Group - background
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Beach Management Plan Steering Group - report
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