Dealing with geomorphological concepts and broad scale approaches for estuaries

This paper describes the outcomes of Defra project FD2116 which has developed a framework for Expert Geomorphological Assessment (EGA) including the systematic development of conceptual models of estuarine systems which can form one basis for prediction. This approach relies upon collation, synthesis and interpretation of various types of data from estuaries; key issues associated with data have been reviewed. The paper summarises the review of the use and application of the “top-down” class of assessment methodologies that may be considered for use in developing EGA approaches.