Author: alteredcoast

This discussion will look at observed maximum high-water levels recorded at Lowestoft Tide Gauge for the dates of 1^st, 15^th and 30^th January for 2015 – 2026. Examination of high-water levels for the month of January, with the year 2015, randomly chosen as a base point, began when a very large storm surge occurred on 30^th January 2022. The surge event remains an extreme outlier for high-water levels recorded during the period studied. Ongoing observations of tide and high-water levels seek to consider long term patterns and contributory factors to sea state variations.

This discussion also coincides with the release of the Met Office State of The Climate report, which gives assessments for Sea Level Rise (SLR). It is thought SLR has risen by around 20.1 cm since 1901. With a rise of about 13.9 cm believed to have occurred in the years 1993 – 2025, though there is uncertainty about the figures for the UK. However, it is not the intention of this discussion to link annual examination of January tidal data with SLR. It is simply the intention to recognise that observations of high-water levels are occurring alongside assessments of SLR, in addition to narratives regarding possible increases in storm intensity. Indeed, the high figure for observed high water on 1^st January 2026, seems to continue a pattern of observations of 3 m + high-water values that appear to be grouped within the last four years since 2022. With one 3 m + high-water value recorded in 2016. These high-water examples are mainly related to meteorological conditions that generated storm surges. Though it is also argued SLR could act to amplify the height of the sea, already raised by a storm.

The chart below shows values for observed maximum high-water levels at Lowestoft Tide Gauge on the 1^st, 15^th and 30^th January of 2015 – 2026.

Residual figures on the table for observed high water levels for 1^st, 15^th and 30^th January for 2026, indicate the difference between predicted tide heights and observed high water levels.

As the values for observed high water levels are simply a snapshot, it is useful to compare the figures with predicted tide hights for the dates of 1^st, 15^th and 30^th January 2026. Data is kindly provided by the National Oceanography Centre, Commercial Software and Data (CSD).

Comparison of observed high water levels and predicted tide heights can be useful for enabling an evaluation of different values from the same tidal gauge for the dates studied. The sea is a fluid body, and it is not surprising that there might be variations between forecast heights and actual sea behaviour. For example, on 1^st January, predicted tide height for 19:34 pm was 2.37 m, but the observed high-water level at 19:30 was 3.311 m. The residual difference between predicted and observed was 0.942.

On 15^th January, second predicted high tide was at 19:45 with a level of 2.24 m and the value for observed high water was 2.595 m at 19:30 pm. The residual difference between predicted and observed was 0.36 m. For 30^th January, first predicted high tide was at 06:42 with a level of 2.33 m and observed high water was at 06:45 am with a level of 2.32 m. The residual figure recorded by the British Oceanography Data Centre give the residual difference between observed and predicted as 0.005 m.

The high-water value for 1^st January was recorded around the time a large storm surge travelled down the North Sea Coast that continued for two tidal cycles on 1^st and 2^nd January 2026. This discussion will briefly look at observed high water levels and predicted tide heights for 2^nd January 2026. At 08:00 on 2^nd January, the value for observed high water was 3.379 m and predicted high tide due at 07:48 was 2.5 m. The residual figure for the difference between observed and predicted was 0.884. The first predicted low tide on 2^nd January was due at 01:46 am with a height of 0.89 m. Observed high water at 3:15 am was 2.556 m with a residual difference between predicted and observed of 1.326 m. Although not covered in this discussion, these figures also offer an opportunity to consider tide-surge interactions.

This discussion will very briefly consider conditions that could have generated a surge. On 30^th December 2025, the Met Office Deep Dive, (a weekly YouTube presentation from meteorologists giving useful insights weather patterns) forecast strong arctic northerly winds for New Year. The shipping forecast for 31^st December – 1^st January predicted Westerly Gale force 8/severe gale force 9 winds, veering North Westerly. Met Office Surface Pressure charts showed a low-pressure system of 981 mb to the north of the UK. With tight Isobars signifying very strong winds for North Sea coasts.

The wave and weather gauge at Happisburgh, is part of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes. The gauge records data concerning sea state behaviour, 24 hours a day, at 10-minute intervals. From midnight on 1^st January to around 8 pm on 2^nd January 2026, wind gust speeds of 20 knots increasing at times to 28-32 knots were recorded with wind gust speed of 10-16 m-s at times. Wind speed values for gust speeds in knots and metres per second (m-s) can be converted to Beaufort Scale measurements.

The Shipping Forecast and Surface Pressure Charts give an indication of weather conditions, with Northerly/North-West winds capable of transmitting forceful wind speeds into sea water. But at the point a surge hits the coast, it isn’t necessarily the case weather conditions will be stormy. Active conditions that generate surges, can transfer powerful processes through sea water onto beaches to initiate sediment movement and erosion.

This discussion has considered high water levels for three dates in January 1^st, 15^th and 30^th for 2015 – 2026 and the values have been compared to predicted tide heights, including those for 2^nd January. The context for fluctuations in sea elevations has been considered, including meteorological conditions, the increasing intensity of storms, and assessments of sea level rise. As the twice-daily flow of the sea can be seen as a barometer of times of year, weather conditions, and interpretations of its impact on landscapes and infrastructure. It is useful therefore to study the elevations in the sea, and consider likely influences. As the actions of the sea seems to be felt ever closer like the oscillations of the tide. 

Winter Erosion on the East Anglian coast for 2025 into 2026 has been active with several instances of severe erosion. Hemsby suffered a devasting large-scale demolition of properties, with further demolitions to come. Thorpeness, and Happisburgh also experienced tragic loss of homes, with threats of further property loss. Showing the border between land and sea to be a dynamic, and at times destructive interface. Causing damage as well as revealing links to the past. Like sea glass and shards of pottery dating back to 1920’s in a void formed underneath Hunstanton promenade.  

A large storm surge on 1^st and 2^nd January caused around 10 metres of dune loss at Hemsby. With severe loss of beach material and cliff retreat occurring at Thorpeness. Additionally, damage to structures saw the formation of a large void in the promenade at Sheringham. The concrete access ramp at Happisburgh was damaged and taken out of action and significant beach lowering exposed the Time and Tide bell.

Spray from waves was observed on a few occasions to pool in the car park behind the flood defence at Southwold. With large puddles of rainwater also seen to accumulate adjacent to the sea water spray. Sea water also accumulated on top of the dunes at Sizewell following the surge on 1^st and 2^nd January 2026. Substantial dune retreat has occurred at Sizewell, with the formation of Scarps and blocks of dune and vegetation pulled from the dunes.

Damage to the dunes has occurred near the construction site for Sizewell C. Creation of Scarps causing dune erosion has also occurred at Walberswick.

Substantial cliff retreat brought the cliff edge to within 40 metres of Bawdsey Radar Museum, with coastal erosion occurring around East Lane and the coast along to Bawdsey Manor. Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club, at the mouth of the River Deben in Suffolk Cliff also experienced erosion concerns. Cliff falls also occurred at Walton-On-The-Naze and Covehithe. However, locations such as Pakefield got through winter relatively lightly with just a few instances of cliff slumps and wave scour. It is thought this could be due to the ness at Kessingland migrating slowly north.

This discussion will look at the everchanging active interaction between sea, sediment and hard structures. As locations that seem stable, can still show low levels of scouring into shingle.

Or hint at recent high tide lines above high banks of shingle.

Or stripping of beach levels to reveal world war defences.

But how does the regular re-working of a beach shift to powerful conditions that can lead to severe erosion or a sudden forceful break. Is it simply that strength in a wave due to a storm, applies a greater level of pressure which can initiate substantial increases sediment movement. Or alter or impact a hard structure.

To consider these points, this discussion will look processes that occur in what is known as the Swash Zone, the area where waves wash up and down the beach. In this location, subject to profile influences, energy can be is dissipated when a wave breaks. It could be possible to consider how this energy, or Aggregate Surplus Strength is expended in normal conditions, and how it is released should wave conditions be stronger. Perhaps because of distant or nearby meteorological conditions.

In relation to dunes, it is thought that as forceful waves clash with a frontage, they can create friction as they retreat. Sea water stresses can excavate lumps of dune and vegetation. Structure can be sustained in the early stages by vegetation, but sustained wave action can displace it with action to drag out roots releasing sediment. Cliff erosion can be caused by wave action or rainwater seeping into its structure.

In the case of a sea wall, the Aggregate Surplus Strength of a wave can be constrained within its impact against a hard structure. In addition, factors such as faster wind speeds might generate higher wave conditions and enhance faster suspension of sediment in front of sea walls. Hard defences are built to prevent flooding of land behind them, but they cannot shift like fluid dynamic beaches.

The Aggregate Surplus Strength of waves can vary with actions of turbulent sea water to strip sediment and lower beaches, often transitory, as systems follow tidal cycles and sea states. In brief episodes or over longer time scale, processes such as Liquefaction can occur. Tensions between individual sediment grains can break down, due to increases in pore water pressure between the grains. This can create a complete flowing mass of sediment and water. Such a unitary flow, once set in motion, is likely to the transport sand away from the beach. A possible consequence, in relation to sea walls can be Toe Scour. A trench can form along the base of a structure, which could lead to undercutting, if beach levels reduce below the base of a hard defence.

In relation to the void under the promenade at Sheringham, an engineer working at the site, believes formation of the void could relate to how the hard structure was cast on chalk bedrock over 70 years ago. Sea water could have dissolved the chalk, causing sand and gravel to be released from behind the sea wall.

As winter erosion has shaken the East Anglian coast, with instances of people and structures, shaken out of their foundations. It could be worth considering the messages of the winter profile marks on the coast. To ask if winter erosion represents a profile readjustment and consider what might be stirring the big brown waves of the North Sea. To consider the implications for beaches, hard structures and people on fragile coastlines.

Coastal storms: Processes and Impacts. Editor Paolo Ciavola, Giovanni Coco

Winter erosion, as with many places on the UK coastlines, has been severe on the East Anglian coast. Locations like Hemsby saw 10 metres of dune loss in one night due to a storm surge on 2^nd January. At Thorpeness, it is thought around 27 metres of cliff have been lost in a little over two years. Therefore, this first look at Winter Erosion, will firstly consider Thorpeness, with thoughts suggesting wider considerations about severe erosion on the East Anglian coast.

At Thorpeness around 5 homes have tragically been lost since October 2025, with the continuing erosion so severe and large-scale it defies comprehension. The loss of memories and beach, so sudden and dramatic, words don’t seem enough to describe what has occurred. Nevertheless, this discussion will consider contributory factors to the erosion, with a view to asking whether for Thorpeness and the wider coastline it:

‘marks severe discontinuities; what comes after will not be like what came before’

– Donna Haraway – quoted in PhD on Coastal Erosion Poetry Hold The Line by Alison Stoneman.

The main features Erosion at Thorpeness include a large quarry shaped cliff retreat, creation of Scarps, and complete removal and stripping away of beach material. Processes contributing to the formation of each feature will briefly be discussed.

Firstly, it would seem necessary to consider the Aggregated Surplus Strength of sea states energised by wind and weather. The weight and power of such waves can propel a strong column of Water directly against a cliff surface. Residents at Thorpeness talk of hearing vibrations deep inside the cliff structure when powerful waves hit the cliff frontage. Such powerful action can scour and over-steepen cliff surfaces, creating instability, causing sediment to collapse. Additionally, another version of this process is the creation of steep cliff features on the cliff frontage. With the amount of sediment moved related to the magnitude of the clash of Swash waves against the cliff.

This moves the discussion down the beach slightly to a location known as Tinkers End. But as the discussion moves to a new area, it takes something with it in the form of sand. With a tentative suggestion that severe erosion of cliffs predominantly formed of sand, could have released sand into the beach system. This could have affected the structure of the shingle. Potentially creating a damaging feedback loop.

As, it is thought shingle beaches can be permeable, as sea water in the Swash as it runs up the beach can infiltrate into shingle. But if sand filters into the space between the shingle this could limit the permeable characteristics of a shingle beach. This could relate to the formation of Scarps, features that were visible at Tinkers End on 30^th December 2025.

A Scarp can form when energetic Swash waves erode into a shingle ridge on a beach. Subsequent saturation of sand within the shingle, can causes a collapse of sediment, which along with erosion of beach surface, can steepen the emerging Scarp. As swash waves continue to cut into the Scarp, it becomes steeper and can move landward as more sediment is eroded from the base of the Scarp.

Two days after the Scarp was observed at Tinkers End, a very powerful storm surge, that lasted for two tidal cycles on 1^st and 2^nd January 2026, swept down the East Anglian Coast. The following images shows the two beach states before and after the storm surge. The first image was taken on 30th December 2025:

The second image was taken on 11th January 2026.

The surge severely escalated the erosion at Thorpeness, particularly at the area where the Scarps had formed, with the steep cliff features pushed much further landward. Additionally, large volumes of beach material were completely stripped from the beach. Exposing the Red Crag or Coraline Crag which is thought to underlie the beach surface around Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.

Forceful waves and surges can exploit existing weaknesses on beaches or create new fragilities. With beach surfaces and current and new infrastructure built close to the edge of the beach, possibly becoming increasingly vulnerable to forceful wave action. As sea states look likely to increase in intensity due to climate change. As coastlines and people experience acute departures from lives once thought to be solid. As futures are increasingly caught in the turbulent boundary between sea and land.

Severe erosion sadly continues to see demolition of properties on North End Avenue at Thorpeness. It is thought over 6-8 metres of cliff has been lost in recent months.

This cliff retreat is in addition to loss measured by coastal managers, for the location south of the rock revetment at Thorpeness Beach, the site of the most recent demolitions. For monitoring purposes, the area is categorised as Transect SO38, and retreat of around 20 metres is assessed to have occurred since the first survey in 1991.

As a physical contribution to attempts to understand the erosion, a photo taken in late December 2024, could hint at early processes at work immediately south of the rock revetment on Thorpeness beach. It appears wave action was reaching beyond the Gabion stone baskets and starting to erode into the face of the sandy cliffs.

This location, and Thorpeness Beach more generally, can be a very high-energy environment. Conditions made all the more dynamic by the increasingly intense storms that hit the UK. Severe erosion at Transect SO38 is thought to have occurred between December 2024 and April 2025. But winter storms to date in 2025 could have worsened the erosion.

Storm Claudia hit the UK on Friday the 14^th of November 2025. The Shipping Forecast predicted Gale Force 8 wind gusts and the wave buoy at Lowestoft recorded a Significant Wave Height of 3.5 metres. The storm alert threshold is 3.06, waves at or above this height are thought to have the potential to move significant amounts of beach material. On 16^th November 2025, a Flood alert was issued for the Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Bawdsey. A very powerful storm surge of around 1 metre was forecast to raise the tide at Lowestoft to almost 3.5 metres.

On 1^st December 2025, severe gale force 9 and Storm Force 10 wind gusts were forecast for Aldeburgh, with a wind direction of SSW. A SWH of just over 3 metres was recorded at Lowestoft. On 5^th December 2025 the Met Office forecast strong winds speeds of Gale Force 8 – Severe Gale Force 9 and Storm Force 10 winds for Aldeburgh from a SSW/S/SSE direction. On 6^th December a SWH of 3 metres was recorded at Lowestoft.

Thinking about the area below the location of the recent demolitions, south of the rock revetment. It is possible to wonder at the energy levels in the wave action that contributed to the severe erosion. Particularly as it is thought on mixed sand and shingle beaches, the surf zone (where waves break) can be quite narrow. So waves can also break directly in the swash zone, the area of beach where waves rise and fall. Meaning almost all energy is expended when waves break and wash up the beach.

Wave action can be influenced by and fundamentally re-work the structure of the beach. Each crashing of a wave as it rushes up and flows down, echoing earlier actions, constantly repeating and reinforcing new patterns. With forceful actions driving instability deep into the cliff structure. Additionally, the seepage flow of ground water combined with the destructive backwash of a wave can flow out through the shingle, drawing sediment out to sea.

The configuration of a beach can withstand sustained storm damage and can indicate stability for days, weeks or months. But maybe the recent increased force and intensity of storms capable of deepening rapidly, could exert such a strength they could force a break in the bones of the beach. So that ability to recover and repair no longer apply and it could be asked whether it is the design of the beach that still determines wave action. Or whether now it is the waves themselves which master the beach, sediment and cliffs they encounter.

Following recent high waves and strong winds on the East Anglian coast, it is perhaps appropriate to announce the 5-year anniversary of the blog Altered Coast and its previous incarnation Altered Marshes.

The original inclusion of the word marshes is due to a visit in 2020 to Hazlewood marshes, an intertidal reserve next to the Alde and Ore estuary, run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The experience of visiting Hazlewood and the reason for its present incarnation, prompted an interest to find out more and Altered Marshes was set up as means for these discussions.

Hazlewood Marshes used to be a Fresh Water marsh, but became intertidal following a storm surge in 2013, which broke through the sea wall between the estuary and the marsh. The reserve is thriving now, but erosion continues, with work constantly needed to protect the path out to the Bird Hide, on the right-hand side of the reserve.

Altered Marshes started, therefore, to look at estuary systems and erosion around the Alde and Ore Estuary in Suffolk. However, the 1^st Anniversary post in 2021, concluded by outlining a change in focus to look at the characteristics of tides in the estuary and the open sea. To consider how these elements can shape the areas under observation. Therefore, the progression to the open coast had begun and subsequently, the name changed to Altered Coast.

The first location observed on the open coast was Thorpeness, one of many dynamic vulnerable locations to be visited, which has subsequently included Pakefield, Covehithe and Hemsby. 

Study of the exposed, fast eroding beach at Hemsby brought a focus on the influence of near-shore processes, and the morphology, (shape) such as sandbanks. As well as a study of the effects of high-energy waves on beach levels, and dune frontages. This is turn, introduced ideas around coastal geomorphology. An academic discipline that considers the profiles of coastal geographies and the systems that influence their form. In addition, the influence of near-shore features on waves and how wind and waves are both influenced by coastal profiles and can also shape and irrevocably change and re-work coastlines.

The intention of discussions going forward is to try and take a step back and as well as examining locations individually, to also look at erosion, sea states, morphology (shape) of coastlines, rainfall and flood defence in a bit more depth. In addition, as Altered Coast continues to observe and analyse coastal change, storms and sea states, the concept of Palimpsest will be considered again. To see features of coastal damage as signposts, information boards, to tell of what has happened, and to enable a learning about what has happened before.

To also set discussions in an historical context, by looking at communities previously lost to the sea, such as Dunwich, to try and understand coastal erosion anew. To keep an awareness of the proximity of the East Anglian coast to Doggerland. An area of land between Europe and England, inundated at the end of the last ice age. Forcing communities that dwelled on the land to flee the rising seas. In a poem by Justina Hart called Doggerland Rising, Hart wishes to ask what our Mesolithic ancestors might whisper to us through the centuries if they could, about how we should interpret loss, re-working of coastlines and changing seas.

Erosion at Thorpeness has accelerated dramatically with the creation of a quarry shaped section of beach, with around 7 metres of cliff retreat, replacing an area fronted by Gabions (Stone Baskets) backed by cliffs covered with vegetation.

For comparison, this is the same section of beach in 2023.

A number of homes on North End Avenue at Thorpeness are now at risk, with one home-owner being told, if the cliff retreats to within 5 metres of their home, it could be demolished.  

This section of beach has been very vulnerable to the strength of the waves for a number of years, with the stone-filled Gabions, frequently broken apart by the waves. Gabions are sea defences that are supposed to attenuate (lessen) the power of the waves.

But frequently the shape of the damaged stone gabions seems to be mimic the shape of the Plunging Waves that so frequently weaken and smash apart the gabions.

A background to the severe erosion, which has occurred for a number of years at Thorpeness, is outlined in a discussion that looks at the interaction between waves and nearshore features such as the Sizewell Dunwich Sandbank System. To consider how such features can influence the erosion and the profile of the beach at Thorpeness. It has been said that around 2 metres has been eroded from the Sandbank system in recent years.

Erosion into fragile sandy cliffs is a well-documented phenomenon, with waves said to “collide” with the cliff surface, causing the rapid removal of sediment and the gouging of notches into the toe of the cliff. Transmitting damage both into and upwards within the cliff structure, causing retreat, sometimes metres inland from the original erosion.

An example of severe erosion at Truc Vet beach in France describes how once the cliff retreat occurs, the new retreat line remains. Even if beach levels accrete (accumulate) sediment in the summer, the profile and bones of the beach, remain weakened, remaining vulnerable to further change once storm waves return. Therefore, it could be said that it is not just the properties that are now at risk, but the whole structure of the beach and section of coast, which has been fundamentally altered and re-worked by the sea.

Solutions to the severe erosion at Thorpeness are not easy as both sections of beach, either side of the rock revetment, are subject to acute erosion.

With a likely contributory factor being the tendency for waves, when they encounter an object, to ‘refract’ and cut around it into the cliff/gabions at either side.

Beach levels are also quite low on the foreshore below the Gabions, with no accretion (accumulation) of sediment, with a steep slope. Such features that can make it easier for waves to travel up the beach and directly hit the sea defences, as on this section of beach, there is very little distance between the sea and the defences.

It is increasingly difficult to access the section of beach subject to severe cliff retreat, as even at low tide, it is frequently covered by sea water. Which obviously means this section of beach can constantly be shaped by the actions of the waves.

The television programme, The Secret Life of Waves, suggested that waves could be understood as moving bodies of energy, rather than sea water. At Thorpeness, the concerns of property owners at immediate risk and those in the wider area will be focused on the implications of the powerful energy of the waves. In the constant contention for possession between the sea and the land.

What the sea would do, left to its own devices, was predictable, it would rise, then fall. What the wind would do, no man could tell.

Men of Dunwich. Rowland Parker.

Somewhat belatedly, is it is now July, this discussion will look at annual Maximum Observed Tide levels at Lowestoft Tide Gauge for three dates in the month of January. This discussion uses data provided by the British Oceanographic Data Centre. Examination of Maximum Observed Tidal data began in 2022, following an exceptionally high storm surge on 30^th January 2022. Therefore 3 dates in January were chosen to enable a study over a reasonable period of time and view extreme sea levels in context. Through the collection of a random sample of data for the dates of 1^st, 15^th and 30^th of January. Analysis of Tidal data has continued with 2025 marking 10 years of analysis of Maximum Observed Tidal data.

This discussion coincides with the recent release of the Met Office State of the Climate Report for 2024, which found from the start of the 20th Century, Sea Level Rise (SLR) increased by around 19.5 cm. Although the figure is qualified as data is obtained from a small number of tidal gauges, with data missing for some years, for certain gauges. A new tool was also launched recently by the Environment Agency to check risk of coastal erosion in the short, medium and long term, under different climate change scenarios.

It isn’t necessarily the intention to link observation of tide heights to SLR, particularly as each annual edition of the Met Office State of the Climate report states that provision of Maximum Tide Height data, simply shows values which is subject to annual and date specific variability. Whereas the 99^th percentile method chosen, by the Met Office to measure SLR selects data from 1%, or 88 hours in a given year.

To look at 10 years of tide data, the chart below displays Observed Maximum Tide Heights for the 1^st, 15^th and 30^th of January over the years 2015 – 2025.

Lowestoft Maximum Observed Tide Data 2015 – 2025

This discussion uses data provided by the British Oceanographic Data Centre

The chart displays the natural fluctuations of the tides over a 10-year period. with a small number of instances where tide heights appear more elevated. It has been found that with the exception of 2016, the four remaining instances of extreme maximum Tidal Heights seem to be clustered around the last four years of data collection, the years 2022 to 2025. Additionally, the average tide height observed in the ten years of tide height data from 2015 to 2025 is 2.72 m, which might be considered a high figure.

But January is associated with increased likelihoods of stormy weather. For example, in 2025, on the 1^st January, the Maximum Observed Tide height was 3.18 m at 10:00 pm, with a surge value 0.6 m. Indicating a deviation from the predicted tide height of 2.52 metres. Weather conditions for New Years Day included a Met office forecast for wind gusts of 48 mph earlier in the day, with wind gusts forecast to drop to 34/32 mph at 4-5pm, with a yellow wind warning in force. Conditions could be likely to generate a surge.

For the remaining maximum tide height values for January 2025, on 15^th January the observed tide height was 2.82 metres, and on the 30^th January the maximum observed tide height was 2.7 metres. Both of the tides on the 15^th and 30^th January were Spring Tides, with no notable weather systems to contribute to the elevated tide heights.

In 2016 a tide height of 3.1m was observed on 15^th January and a tide height of 3.2 m was observed on 30^th January, with surge values of 0.46 on 15^th January and 0.72 on 30^th January. On the 29^th January 2016, a named storm Gertrude occurred, so this could have pushed sea levels above predicted heights.

Elevated Maximum Observed Tide heights for 2022 have been discussed separately and for 2023, there were no notable weather conditions that could have contributed to the high tide height of 3.01 m. The maximum observed tide height for the 15^th January 2024 of 3.37 m occurred during exceptionally stormy weather. Noteworthy, as it was the second highest maximum observed tide height recorded over ten years of analysis.

Examination of ten years of tide height data from 2015 to 2025, provides a useful introduction to observations of tidal patterns. But the title of this consideration was a play on the concept that tide heights can be predicted but the effect of the weather can alter tidal behaviours. But tides are also complex, with many more elements which will be considered in future discussions. Such considerations could focus on future predictability, in an era of rising SLR and weather intensities and how such uncertainties might impact vulnerable coast locations.

Henry David Thoreau, I to Myself, August 1851

The coastline of Norfolk and Suffolk is bearing the scars of the winter storms of 2024-2025, and this discussion will consider a few examples of the attrition of heavy rain and wave action. Including large slippages of cliff material at Overstrand in Norfolk, with a recent announcement of plans to repair the sea wall. In Suffolk, large cracks were visible at Covehithe at Benacre Nature Reserve. In addition, north of Southwold pier, repairs to fill voids and replace slabs have taken place, following the collapse of sections of promenade. Plans have also been brought forward to repair the toe of the sea wall.

Consideration will be framed around two concepts. The first considers the ghostly image of Dunwich in a painting by Joseph MW Turner, an artistic representation of All Saints church and a reference to the village of Dunwich, that were both lost to the sea. The second concept asks that as churches, such as St Andrews at Covehithe, and communities edge ever closer to the sea. Could it be useful to see through the lens of what has occurred before, to try and interpret the storms of the present to learn anew erosion processes in era of climate change.

To begin by looking at slippage and cracking of cliff structures, it might be useful to consider each element and its impacts on the cliff. Wave action that initially acts at the base of the cliff and rainfall that falls on the cliff top but can seep inwards. Firstly, rainfall and Groundwater which can rise in periods of heavy rainfall, can impact on sediment, to enable one to cause a change in the other. The factor in the middle is shear strength and its ability to resist failures in the solidity of cliff sediment, determined by soil suction and pore water pressure.

Soil Suction describes when sediment becomes saturated, causing air to be lost from pockets in the soil to be replaced by water which in turn causes Pore Water Pressure. This process acts to apply stress due to the volume of water contained in pockets it occupies. This stress is positive if sediment is totally drenched, and pressure is manifold if water cannot increase in volume or flow away through alternative fissures. Pore water pressure can make sediment heavier and reduce its shear strength. The Cliff slippage at Overstrand is thought to be due to the slumping of sediment due to heavy rainfall, with water seen to be running down the cliff.

Concerning Wave action, the tension cracks at Covehithe could be caused by wave action at the bottom of the cliff gouging notches, which could cause slumping of material some metres above.

Significant sculpting of the cliff surface is also visible. Wave action can transmit volatility up through the cliff and this can create tension at the cliff top. Cracks in the cliff could also be caused by heavy rainfall or stress within overhanging section, due to undermining of cliff below.

At Overstrand plans have recently been announced to repair sea wall, so this discussion will move on to briefly consider sea walls, as a means of sea defence.

A sea wall can be viewed as a fixed protective barrier, but as the interface between wave action and sea wall can be a dynamic, unforgiving environment, alterations and repairs are sometimes required.

Reflected wave energy can interact with incoming waves and generate seaward currents that can transport sediment offshore and remove it from the toe of the sea wall. This can undermine or break down sea wall structures.

Additionally, waves can transmit energy along the frontage of sea walls, causing erosion at the terminus of hard sea defences.

But it is also thought alterations to beaches around sea walls due to storms can be similar to beaches where sea walls are absent, though this depends on availability of sufficient volumes of sediment. Post storm revival can also be similar.

However, as work continues to repair and reinforce structures as storms intensify, it would seem it is a struggle to maintain what is solid and robust, like the slabs on the promenade. Or in undefended locations it is the difficulty to prevent loss of cohesion in cliff sediment causing further slippages and loss of land.

During the time the thriving village of Dunwich was lost, sea defences were scarce and forceful sea water was able to inundate coastal locations. Since these times, with engineering knowledge about hard defences, processes and behaviours relating to sea walls and cliffs were thought to be understood. But under Climate change, the sheer volume of rainfall and the intense power of storm waves, could generate more complex, stronger processes that generate feedback loops with consequences that are harder to control. Under Sea Level Rise deeper water could be present in front of sea walls, with the wave base also growing in depth. As transmission of energy alongside a sea wall, could generate more severe scour in front of sea walls and lower beach levels.

Looking through the lens of ghostly images of lost churches, although the power of the sea has always raged, perhaps it has now transformed into aggregated surplus strength. As increasing volumes of rainfall and forceful wave action, act against soft, erodible cliffs, altering adaption and repair mechanisms. Especially as extreme dry periods can also weaken cliff structures causing desiccated cracking. It could be the combination of excessive dry periods, combined with extreme rainfall and high-energy waves that cause more frequent failures.

Academic articles and a recent television programme on the secret lives of waves, state that it isn’t water that moves but energy that transmits from wind and atmospheric pressures to the sea surface. When considering that it isn’t a question of what you look at, but what you see, perhaps it is the ever active, internal and external working of the aggregated surplus strength of rainfall and energy. Weakening, pounding and altering that what was thought to be solid. Just like the raging storm seas washed away the once bustling key trading port of Dunwich.

Pakefield Beach is a fascinating example of erosion and deposition of sediment. With a dramatic contrast between substantial accretion (build-up) of sand at Benacre Ness, with the assessment that this feature seems to be building up to the north, whilst eroding at its Southern end. The build-up of Benacre Ness could help protect Pakefield, but at the current rate of growth, the timescale for this protection, looks to be in around 7-8 years’ time.

Whilst, despite local accumulations, very little sediment is retained on the beach between Pontins Holiday Park and where fishing boats are moored. The fishing boats are pulled up to a higher level of beach, as the foreshore is steeply sloping and appears stripped of sediment. A lowered profile such as this can make it easier for powerful waves to sweep up the beach, potentially making locations more vulnerable to storms. Like a powerful surge on Friday 24th November 2023, when a large section of Access Road collapsed at Pakefield.

However, erosion at Pakefield, can be caused by sea and rainfall, as both can cause alteration and failure. To look these points in a bit more detail, this discussion will consider the concept of the aggregated surplus strength of precipitation and wave action and consider what this means for the beach profile and the coastal community.

Looking at the aggregated surplus strength could mean analysing the cumulative effects of storms and rainfall to assess the force in each element and how this could contribute to the gradual weakening and break down of a cliff frontage.  

Firstly, the effects of rainfall will be considered looking at an approach known as Seepage Erosion. This process refers to the flow of water once it enters a cliff face, possibly through a tension crack, the water flow can exert strength to initially form a watercourse with bonding of sediment sustaining the structure for a period of time. However, if water flow is subject to a level of agitation, this can concentrate erosion to gouge indentations, causing roofs of watercourses to eventually fail to form gorges or basins.

It is thought where channels are more intricately and extensively integrated into the cliff face, the greater the level of water required for Seepage Erosion. However, it is also thought network of watercourses can be complex and localised and structures so refined, it is hard to envisage their onward progression. This could make estimating possible forces at work and extents of potential failure hard to assess.

However, while these processes describe the physical mechanisms at work within the cliff face, at another point on the beach, gullies can be seen running down the front of the cliff face. It is also possible that such channels and gullies could widen over time, possibly eroding back into the cliff, causing failure, due to the application of stresses in the body of the cliff. Such processes could cause landslides or blocks of material to fall from the cliff.

Another powerful element working away at the cliffs is of course wave action. On beaches with very little sediment coverage to dissipate energy, it is possible to see features that testify to likely forces at work.

One visible feature is sometimes referred to as a Megacusp Embayment. Factors that lead to their formation include varying sediment types, foreshore profiles and wave approach producing differing wave patterns. Such wave run-ups when interacting with the cliff face, alternately erode and deposit sediment, creating erosion “embayments” and “horns”.

It is thought several complex wave forms can create these features, but a basic summary could state that high waves with rapid occurring regularity, could act to mix sediment in the Swash zone as the wave flows up the beach and lower waves with slower regularity could possess reach to “collide” with the cliff face. Thereby loosening sediment and enabling mechanisms with a strengthening back wash to rapidly transport sediment off the beach.

Such processes can also cut into the cliff face, steepening and eroding the entire frontage. It is also thought such regimes can transfer sand to offshore bars, and there are considerably large sand bars in the vicinity of Pakefield beach.

In conclusion, the cliff face and beach at Pakefield continue to be vulnerable. Winds from a South Easterly or Northeast direction can keep sea water up on the beach. Equally beach levels are estimated to be around 2 metres lower. Pakefield Coastwatch, a coastal watch station manned by volunteer men and women, have recently begun to warn of high tide around 3 ½ hours before it is due, presumably because the tides come in quicker due to lower beach levels.  Further falls of old beach road continue with old caravan bases, extending over a metre out from the cliff tops. It is thought erosion is shifting South to North, with erosion of base of beach steps evident.

Walking on the access road on the cliff top, empty plots act as empty reminders to those with properties and lives still to be lived on the landward side of the road. Testament to the unpredictable aggregated surplus strength of forces this eroding and stripping away this fragile coastline.

This discussion will update previous observations of Sudbourne Beach, near Aldeburgh, in Suffolk, in the United Kingdom. The update will consider the Saltmarsh and channel that run along the edge of the Shingle fan overwash, that formed around Autumn 2023. As well as briefly discuss the overall form of the beach system and erosion of the shingle ridge fronted by hard sea defences.

Firstly, the previous discussion to consider Sudbourne Beach, thought it might be possible for vegetation to begin to grow on top of the large Shingle Fan Overwash. It would appear this is beginning to happen. It is thought shingle washover fans can evolve to function as a base for new Saltmarsh to grow. As essentially Saltmarsh develops from the formation of an elevated reasonably solid accumulations of sediment.

But the appearance of the Saltmarsh and the Channel that runs along the edge of the shingle fan, seems to have altered with the saltmarsh seeming to look thinner, and with the channel looking like it has widened. It is thought that channels can be the main conduits for movement of sediment within saltmarsh systems. As it is hoped Saltmarsh landforms can increase in height above the regular flow of tidal water, to create a cohesive mass of vegetation sufficient to attenuate (lessen) wave energy.

In established saltmarsh systems, sinuous channels that intersect marshes can facilitate alterations in the flow of water, such that sediment held in suspension moves swiftly through the channels, whilst sediment at times of high water can be deposited when flows run over Saltmarsh. Accumulation of sediment on top of saltmarsh can encourage its growth and also aid the formation of deep channels. Similarly, it is thought Neap tides can flow within the channels and deposit sediment, whereas Spring Tides can erode the channel system, causing them to widen as well as deposit sediment onto the marsh surface.

It would seem the saltmarsh system adjacent to the shingle washover fan at Sudbourne Beach, is out of equilibrium as it would appear to lack cohesion. Rather than a dry elevated saltmarsh system, with channels winding through, saltmarsh appears to contain a substantial amount of tidal water within it. There is also a clear Tide Line seeming to show a meeting of estuary and Sea water.

It is not clear why the alteration to the saltmarsh system has occurred. Linked to this, it is interesting to observe that within the channel at the edge of the shingle fan, in addition to shingle, their appeared to be a layer of sand in the channel. It is thought that due to low-energy conditions more prevalent in saltmarsh systems, the predominant sediment type would be silt, clay or mud. The presence of sand could indicate higher energy tidal flows.

It is a puzzle however, as it is commonly thought that during a storm event, sand being a finer sediment, is transported offshore, perhaps to a nearshore sand bar. With courser sediment such as shingle moved as bedload, to be deposited further up the beach or as overwash if sufficient energy is present.

This moves the discussion to observations of the beach system itself. It is said that shingle beaches have a narrow Surf Zone, therefore the majority of sediment movement and influence of waves on the beach occurs in the zone where waves wash up (Swash) and move back down the beach, (Backwash). The succession of shingle ridges on the beach, reflects the reach of the Swash during Neap and Spring tides. With a tide line just visible towards the back ridge of the beach suggesting the presence of recent high water.

It would also appear the slope of the beach is reasonably steep; this could align with the description of shingle coastal locations having Reflective profiles. This can mean very little energy is lost when waves break on shingle beaches, so energy is transmitted and is shaped by the profile and sediment make-up of the beach itself.

Regarding the shingle fan itself, it could fit the description of a sluicing overwash, where substantial failure of the beach crest has occurred, but the overall height of the back beach and shingle fan has not substantially changed. Though this location is a dynamic environment, and it rarely stays stable for long.

This is also especially true of the section of remaining shingle ridge fronted by hard sea defences. The ridge certainly seems to have an airy feel as erosion continues.

It is also noticeable how erosion is especially concentrated around the back of the Groynes. Sea defences such as these are designed to trap and retain sediment. It is thought that in some circumstances, rip currents can form around Groyne structures, with approaching waves interacting with waves leaving the beach. This can generate rotating currents with powerful alongshore currents forming in both directions. Such rip/circular currents can facilitate the rapid removal of sediment.

In conclusion, ongoing changes observed at Sudbourne Beach can be summarised as a contrasting picture. With settlement of vegetation on the shingle fan, whilst processes that formed the shingle overwash, play out to a lesser extent around it.

The beach profile indicates the evolving shifting of shingle as if energy transmitted from wave action is constantly kneading away to erode and rework. As elements thought to be firm structures, beach, ridge and salt marsh, instead serve as dynamic fluid symbols of the fragility of this coastal location.