erosion and accretion patterns monitoring
BEACH PROFILE MONITORING
Changes in the beach area caused by erosion or accretion patterns can be monitored by temporal measurements of beach profiles. Beach profile data can be used in numerous ways to guide decision-making in coastal areas, such as monitoring beach nourishment and dune restoration projects. In 2018, the TIC team conducted monthly beach profile surveys on 11 beaches of Pulau Tengah.
Beach profiles are measured from a fixed point at the back of the beach (the reference marker) towards the ocean. The profile is measured in segments, which can either be a fixed distance or can vary depending on the profile of the beach, i.e. each change in slope is the start of a new segment. TIC follows the Abney method to measure the profile of beaches, which requires an Abney level and two poles to measure the distance (z) and slope (a) of each beach segment. Elevation is then calculated to produce the beach profile.
Study Beach Pattern Change and Corrosion.
Sand Stabilising Species Growth. Promote Biodiversity.
INDIGENOUS TREE NURSERY
As a result of continuous coastal erosion and introduction of exotic flora species over the past years, our team created a Tree Nursery to allow the growth of sand stabilizing species and to promote biodiversity by removing non-native invasive plants. Once matured, these plants/trees will be replanted along our coastline to support the beaches against erosion caused by wave action and weather, whilst maintaining a healthy, indigenous and flourishing terrestrial environment.
The nursery houses 7 different species of trees - Scaveola taccada (Beach Cabbage), Hibiscus tiliaceus (Sea Hibiscus), Barringtonia asiatica (Sea Poison Tree), Calophyllum inophyllum (Alexandrian Laurel Tree), Terminalia catappa (Indian Almond Tree) – from which two are mangrove species - Nypa fruticans (Magrove Palm), Rhizophora mucronata (Mangrove Tree). Mangrove species help to buffer coastlines from severe weather and flooding as well as reducing sediment runoff which in turn helps to protect our coral reefs.
TIC Indigenous Tree Nursery
This is where TIC grow native plants before moving them to their permanent locations around the island.