A Synthesis of Current Knowledge on the Genesis of the Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Bank Systems

In September 2007, we completed a study for The Crown Estate to synthesise the current knowledge on the genesis of the Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Bank Systems. This study was completed with project partners Ian Townend (HR Wallingford) and Peter Balson (BGS).

This report is now available from The Crown Estate's website:  http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/mrf_aggregates .

A more technical version of the conceptual model will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2008 so that the scope of the dissemination can be maximised.

Abstract

An update of the conceptual model of the genesis of the Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk Bank systems was completed to provide an authoritative account based on contemporary scientific advancements. Historical studies completed in relation to work were reviewed as well as analysing sea bed characterisations, completing net sand transport direction analysis and inferred sand wave asymmetry. The conclusions were that the Outer Banks lie in an area believed to be close to the limit of the last glacial ice advance and their origin is at least in some way related to the antecedent sediment supply that would have existed prior to the marine transgression. The mechanisms that best explain the genesis and evolution of the banks for the various groups of banks comprise; reworking of sediments from outwash sediment of the last glaciation to form the Norfolk Offshore Banks; headland tidal meander channels providing the mechanism for forming and maintaining the Inner Great Yarmouth Banks; tidal meander channels providing a plausible mechanism for the formation of the Outer Great Yarmouth; and headland shoals at nesses to explain the local circulation and formation of flood and ebb residual channels.

Reference

Balson P.S, Cooper W.S and Townend I.H. “A Synthesis of Current Knowledge on the Genesis of the Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Bank Systems.” ABPmer Report No. R.1318. 26 September 2007.