The Morphodynamics of the Wadden Sea

This text covers investigations of shoal and megaripple migration on the East Frisian tidal deltas, based on experience gained during geomorphological mapping.

The Wadden Sea area of the North Sea is one which undergoes rapid morphological changes. Under natural conditions, the barrier islands would adjust them¬selves to a rising sea level. However, be¬cause the islands are densely populated and have an important role as holiday resorts, morphological changes are un¬desirable. Coastal engineering counter-measures have been undertaken to pre¬vent beach erosion, shifting of tidal in¬lets, breaching of dune ridges and land¬ward-directed washover. The natural processes and the results of human inter¬ference including the negative conse¬quences of many of the measures are discussed in detail. The author presents the current state of research, together with the results of his own investigations. In addition, a comprehensive description of the geomorphological development and recent problems of the barrier is¬lands from Texel to Fanø is given for
the first time. The book includes 40 colour photographs and 393 figures, almost all previously unpublished. Sat¬ellite and radar imagery as well as many aerial photographs are also included. The book is intended for geomorphologists, sedimentologists, environmentalists and all those with a scientific interest in tidal flats and barrier islands.