The dynamic nature of the sediment regime at this cove is
exemplified by the following images taken four months apart over the winter.
Since September winter storms have eroded the overlying sand
at the top of the shore to reveal the boulders beneath.
The
shore is still comprised of boulders and now ephemeral green and red
seeweeds are covering areas of recently exposed rock. Other fauna such
as limpets and periwnkles remain in their original locations and have
not moved to colonise the newly available substrate.
Images of the shore previously this year:
 |
| Sand in September 2013 has now been eroded to reveal a cobble and boulder beach (below). (September habitat classification: LS. Sa (Littoral sand) |
 |
| Cobbles and boulders now characterise the upper shore. (January and April habitat classification LR (Littoral rock). |
 |
| Sand in September 2013 has now been eroded to reveal a cobble and boulder beach (below) |
 |
| Cobbles and boulders now characterise the upper shore. |
 | ||
| Where once there was sand, now there are rock pools. Habitat classification in September LS.Sa (littoral sand), now LR.FLR.Rkp (Rockpools). |
 |
| A seasonal explosion of ephemeral green seaweeds covers expanses of the recently available stable rock, which in January was still bear (see images below). Habitat classification: LR.FLR.Eph (Ephemeral green and red algae - fresh water or sand influenced) |
 |
| Lower on the shore Porphyra sp also colonises the boulders. Habitat classification: LR.FLR.Eph (Ephemeral green and red algae - fresh water or sand influenced) |
Images of the shore previously this year:
 |
| September 2013 January 2014 The overlaying sand has been eroded to reveal the boulders beneath. |
 |
| September 2013 January 2014 The overlaying sand has been eroded to reveal the boulders beneath. |
No comments:
Post a Comment