Temporal patterns and processes of retreat of drumlin coastal cliffs — Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland

Monthly measurements of erosion pins at sixteen sites around the very low energy marine environment of Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, were used to investigate temporal patterns and processes of retreat of low cliffs of glacial material. Erosion rates were extremely varied: the mean was 76 ± 49.03 mm a− 1. Erosion is strongly seasonal with 86.6% of the total erosion occurring during ‘winter’ (September to March) periods. This seasonal pattern was most exaggerated in some of the more rapidly-eroding sites on the exposed eastern side of the lough. ‘Preparatory processes’ – heavy rainfall, desiccation and frost action – reduce the compressive strength of the cliff materials and act as important forcing of the erodibility of the cliffs. Direct wave attack on cliffs around the lough takes place when threshold conditions of wind speed and tidal heights are met (tidal levels > 1.50 m above O.D. with wind speed of 15.4 m s− 1 (30 knots), maintaining for more than 4 h). During the study period eighteen events exceeding the above criteria were identified. Extremely low atmospheric pressure has also been identified as important in raising water levels. Slumps, falls, topples and slides were the forms of cliff failure observed.