The Geometry of Shore Platforms in England and Wales

Platform gradient was investigated in three areas of England and Wales, providing a wide range of morphogenic and geological conditions. A correlation coefficient of 0-92 (n = 36) was obtained for platform gradient against tidal range and one of - o-6o (n = 36) for fetch perpendicular to coastal orientation; analysis of covariance demonstrated that there was little difference in the regression for Liassic limestones and shales and chalk. A further correlation coefficient of 0-79 (n = 23) was noted between platform gradient and cliff height for the chalk exposures. It is proposed that platform gradient in these areas is being maintained in dynamic equilibrium, at least in the early period of development. WIDE, gently sloping shore platforms are prominent features around much of the British coast- line. Several recent investigations have involved the precise measurement of platform geometry (C. E. Everard et al., 1964; C. L. So, 1965; L. W. Wright, 1967, 1970; A. Wood, 1968; A. S. Trenhaile, I969, I97I, I972), but the nature of the relationships between shore platforms and elements of the morphogenic environment have not been established. Although Trenhaile (1972) has attempted to investigate the effect of tidal range on platform width and slope in the Vale of Glamorgan, local studies lack the variety of morphogenic conditions necessary for the establish- ment of more meaningful relationships. Wright (I967, I970), and Trenhaile (I972), have examined the relationship between the height of the cliff-platform junction and the height of the Mean High Water Spring (MHWS) and Mean High Water Neap (MHWN) tides. The relation- ships, however, are affected by local lithological and to a lesser extent morphological factors which may induce some divergence from the expected level. There appears little reason to suppose that the relationship between the cliff-platform junction and the levels of high tidel would change through time, such that changes of platform geometry must largely, assuming linearity of profiles, involve changes in slope and width. Although A. B. Edwards (I94I) and

Archaeology · Geography · Geometry · Shore · Shore durometer · Coastal and Marine Dynamics · Geological formations and processes · Geology · Groundwater and Watershed Analysis · Materials Science · Mathematics · Oceanography

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