Climate Change: Robotic Catamaran Investigates Australia's Coastal Erosion

A robotic catamaran has been deployed at one of South Australia's most picturesque beaches to increase understanding of coastal erosion and the effects of climate change.

Researchers say the Post Office Rock dune system in the coastal town of Beachport is likely one of the country's fastest eroding but their work won't stop dramatic changes to the local landscape.

"The reason we're interested in post office rock is just the extreme nature of the erosion that is ongoing here. In the last- well- since 1940, it's eroded about 100 meters, and in quite a unique fashion," says Flinders University PhD student Samuel Davidson.

The sand dunes used to reach a reef that's now 100 metres out to sea.

Current meters pressure gauges and drones as well as a robotic autonomous catamaran, kitted out with sonar are being used to map the dunes under the water in the bay.

"By having a map of the sea floor, and hopefully being able to capture some movement in these transverse dunes, we'll be able to see after the erosion where the sand is going, and why it is not replenishing the coast as sometimes- and most often- happens," says Davidson.

It's hoped the study will also reveal what's happening at other beaches.

"With coming, a continued sea level rise and future climate change, we're just going to see much more of this kind of event taking place. So it's a good proxy of what we expect to take place much more commonly by 2050, 2100, than is currently the case," says Professor of Coastal Studies at Flinders University, Patrick Hesp.

It's predicted in as little as 15 years the ocean will break through this dune, washing away the tourist drive and inundating the nearby "Pool of Siloam," a salt lake enjoyed by swimmers.

Moving the road is part of a Council retreat strategy to protect the local community.

"We're already planning to move that back further inland and provide a natural barrier to protect the township when we do invest in that infrastructure," says Wattle Range Council CEO Ben Gower.

With the ground literally shifting beneath their feet, the pressure on coastal communities to come up with solutions will only become greater.

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