The beach in north-east Scotland is therefore eroding rapidly climate change leaving a city at risk of flooding.
The 2021 Dynamic Coast report studied erosion rates at Montrose and predicted a loss of 120 meters over 40 years, an average of 3 meters per year.
The people of Montrose fear the start of storm season in the fall because last year’s storms caused the beach to erode 7 meters in a year, which is 4 meters more than scientists predicted.
Worry about the future
A December report by the EnviroCentre on behalf of Montrose Golf Links found that historically average subsidence rates have been between 2.8 and 7.0 meters per year and that “trends in coastal erosion are expected to continue or indeed accelerate as a result of climate change. will come”, according to his words watchman.
Long history of corrosion
Scotland experienced unprecedented storms last season and this spring saw the country record its wettest April since 1947.
Last November, the Montrose promenade collapsed during high tide after Storm Babet, leaving a gaping hole.
During this storm alone, the beach eroded 3 meters.
A month later in December, winds of 86 mph were recorded at the nearby Inverbervie weather station during Storm Gerrit.
Montrose has a history of coastal erosion that can be measured by the loss of golf courses dating back more than 460 years. The sea has advanced 70 meters in the last 30 years.
Research by Angus Council and Dynamic Coast has shown urgent repair is needed for the receding dunes at Montrose Bay, or they risk opening corridors that will bring flooding to the town’s buildings.
The EnviroCentre report also revealed that by 2100, around 170 meters could be lost south of Montrose to erosion and flooding.