What will ultimately happen to the sand escarpments created by Alfred on the Gold Coast? Will they transform into permanent sand dunes? Over time, will the sea bring more sand back after storms? Currently, these escarpments are quite stunning to behold.
I can’t share an image here, but the sand cliffs are truly impressive. Here’s a reference link to one that stands at 3.5 meters tall, with a person on top for scale: https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/efab9b008192746973f5ebd500baf3b5.
Edit: Thanks for the fantastic answers so far!
The Alfred-induced sand escarpments on the Gold Coast are fascinating geological features! The end outcome for these escarpments can vary based on several factors, including environmental conditions, human intervention, and the natural dynamics of the coastline.
Permanent Features vs. Temporary Escarpments: It’s possible that some of these escarpments could stabilize and become more permanent sand dunes, especially if vegetation takes root and helps reinforce the sand. However, erosion and storms can also reshape the coastline, so their permanence is not guaranteed.
Sea Dynamics: After a storm, the sea can indeed push more sand back onto the beaches and dunes. This natural process can help rebuild any lost sand and potentially reshape the escarpments. Over time, the dynamics of sediment transport can lead to significant changes in the coastal landscape.
Visual Impact: As you noted, the escarpments are visually striking, and they can draw attention to the ever-changing nature of coastal environments. It’s always impressive to see how natural forces create such unique formations!
Overall, the future of these escarpments will depend on ongoing natural processes as well as any coastal management practices that may be implemented. Thanks for sharing the picture—it really gives a great sense of scale!