Transgressive dunes

I mentioned at the end of last week's lecture the formation of transgressive dunes, which are large unvegetated coastal dunes that migrate landward. They widely occur in Australia, and were also common along the French Atlantic coast, until Napoleon planted pine trees to fix them (this area is known as 'Les Landes'). Some of these French Atlantic coast transgressive dunes, however, remained and the best example is Pyla dune just south of the Arcachon Inlet near Bordeaux. For more information see: http://unbelievableinfo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/great-dune-of-pyla-sahara-of-france.html.

Tropical cyclone map

I am reading up on tropical cyclones for a review paper on effect of extreme storms on shorelines and came across this fantastic picture showing 150 year of cylone tracks. Couldn't resist! The cyclone tracks are subdivided into tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes (Category 1-5), reflecting increasing intensity. Why do you think there are no hurricanes around the equator? Also, note the lone tropical storm along the coast of Brasil. For more information click this link.

Rip currents on beaches

Welcome back and happy new Year. Next lecture is on beaches and we will spend a little bit of time talking about rip currents. Have a look at the following two utube clips to get excited: Dr Rip's clip and BBC Bang Goes the Theory.