NatureScot Commissioned Report 927 - Morrich More coastal change analysis 1987 to 2015

SNH Commissioned Report 927 front cover

Morrich More is a unique UK coastal site created over the course of 7,000 years. Isostatic rebound has resulted in the very extensive suite of emergent landforms you see here today.

The emergent conditions may switch to submergent conditions over time, however. This may happen due to rising sea level and a likely slow-down of rebound in the Inner Moray Firth. Such a change would be typical of Scotland-wide changes in relative sea-level rise (RSLR).

This study examined changes in habitat at Morrich More for evidence of RSLR. To seek and explain change in habitat over time, the study looked at existing habitat survey information using a mix of techniques. Saltmarsh was the main focus of the research, but it also covers transition to dune.

Analysis techniques used include:

  • desk study
  • permanent quadrat analysis
  • 2015 field checks of 1988 vegetation sample locations
  • tidal modelling

Pages: 85
Published: 2017

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Publication 2017 - NatureScot Commissioned Report 927: Morrich More coastal change analysis 1987 to 2015

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