Coastal Sediment Dynamics and Luminescence Chronology
Summary
Coastal sediment dynamics encompass the processes by which sand, silt and gravel are eroded, transported and deposited along shorelines under the influence of waves, tides, currents, river discharge and wind. Understanding these processes is essential for reconstructing past shoreline positions, assessing the impact of sea-level change and informing coastal management strategies. Luminescence chronology, principally based on the measurement of trapped electrons in mineral grains, provides a robust framework for dating the time elapsed since sediment last saw daylight. By combining sedimentological analysis with optically stimulated luminescence techniques, researchers can establish the timing and rates of dune formation, beach accretion and barrier evolution. This interdisciplinary approach has illuminated the interplay between climatic forcing, sediment supply and human interventions, yielding insights into coastal resilience in the face of rising seas and increasing storm intensity.
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Coastal Sediment Dynamics and Luminescence Chronology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in coastal sediment dynamics and luminescence chronology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Luminescence chronology: Dating method that utilises light emitted from mineral grains to establish the timing of sediment deposition.
Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL): A geochronological technique that measures the time elapsed since mineral grains were last exposed to sunlight.
Aeolian: Pertaining to processes of wind transport and deposition of sediment.
Sedimentary facies: Distinctive bodies of sediment with characteristic physical, chemical and biological attributes.
References
- OSL dating of coastal dunes on the southeastern coast of Hainan Island, China. Frontiers in Marine Science (2023).
- Origin and Paleoenvironmental Significance of the Old Red Sand Along the Southeast Coast of China. Frontiers in Earth Science (2021).
- Coastal landscape evolution in the Wilpattu National Park (NW Sri Lanka) linked to changes in sediment supply and rainfall across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Geological Journal (2020).
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