time and tide

Time and Tideusing time lapse photography to study changes around Montrose Bay

Tracey Dixon, School of the Environment, University of Dundee

Erosion CamFrom September 2013 the edge of the Montrose golf course has been monitored by a time lapse camera taking pictures during daylight hours every 5 minutes.At the start the fence erected to protect the dunes is at their foot [A]. At the top the remains of one fence [B] and another picket [C] can be seen at the edge of the golf course. A new fence went up at the start of february [D] which was moved back at the start of april, by which time fence C was long gone!We lost some footage December-January during which time the picket fencing off the beach was swept away leaving just the posts [still at A]. The poor camera had taken such a beating that it was replaced in February.High tides at the start of february and march show spectacular erosion on the timelapse.

Between Sepember and May the foot of the dunes retreated over 10m up the beach.May’s end saw sand moved up the beach to provide a buffer for the dunes. The pickets on the beach fence were replaced in June.

Basin CamAnother ongoing project is a camera watching the Basin [with many thanks to our gracious host, Bruce]. It fills, it empties... eventually we hope for a year long study of the basin.

Sand Sculpture Cam As part of the project some of the pupils from Montrose Academy created a sand sculpture.

BA

C

CA

D

C

D

A

Running times:Erosion Cam 00:00 - 22:14 [21:14 total]Noteable dune loss can be seen starting at 08:17 and 10:35 with the high stormy tides at the start of february and march.

Shifting Sands 22:14 - 25:30 some video of February 1st storm and of the beach [03:16 total]

Sand Sculpture Cam 25:30 - 32:00[06:30 total]

Basin Cam 32:00 - 40:27 [08:27 total]Highlights from autumn and spring.

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