Samuel Davidson, a Flinders PhD Candidate in Environment, supervised by Professor Patrick Hesp and Dr Graziela Miot da Silva, has received a grant to research rapid coastal erosion occurring at Post Office Rock in Beachport SA.

The grant from the Wettenhall Environment Trust will be utilised to fund part of his research that examines wind flow dynamics and sediment transport over the very high, severely eroded dune at Beachport, utilising ultrasonic anemometers and sand traps.

The research will also involve creating a website aimed at teaching students the importance of their local dune systems and the processes involved in their creation and erosion.

“Such erosion is set to become more prevalent globally under climate change induced sea level rise and increased storm frequency/intensity,” explains Professor Hesp, underlining the importance of Mr Davidson’s research.