Ask a Geologist: Coastal Geomorphology! By: Rosana Grafals-Soto About Me

Rosana Grafals-Soto ● The beach is my favorite place ● I am a Geographer (PHOTO ● I am convinced rocks and sediments OF YOU) have a way of talking to us

Ask A Geologist Series What is a Geographer?

● Someone who ○ thinks spatially about human and physical processes on Earth ○ identifies/compares characteristics of different places or over time ○ asks “Where?” first

Ask A Geologist Series What is a Coastal Geomorphologist?

● Analyzes and explains the shape and processes of the coast ■ identifies characteristics ■ describes processes ■ compares and explains ■ asks questions ● how do people use and modify the coast

Ask A Geologist Series Coastal Dunes Sand accumulation on backbeach resulting from wind erosion

Ask A Geologist Series What is it needed for dunes to form?

● wide beach with fine sand ● constantly onshore strong wind ● space on backbeach ● time

Ask A Geologist Series How do I study coastal dunes?

● Observe, look for information and read...a lot!

Ask A Geologist Series How do I study coastal dunes?

Gather data in the field Ask A Geologist Series How do I study coastal dunes?

Gather data from the aerial images Ask A Geologist Series How do I study coastal dunes?

Gather temporal data Ask A Geologist Series Why Do We Care?

Because we live, visit, enjoy, use and need the coast ● We have to understand its processes to ○ use safely ○ allow it to be dynamic so it can endure

○ protect it and us from storms https://prd-wret.s3.us-west- 2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs- public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/imagesHOGH5XOB.jpg

Ask A Geologist Series Why do we care?

Superstorm Sandy: before and after - ABC News

Ask A Geologist Series Ask A Geologist Series Question Time!