IAG/AIG Working Group on Rock Coast Geomorphology

Date: November 26, 2005

Dear Colleagues,

As you may be aware the International Association of Geomorphologists has approved the establishment of a working group on rock coast geomorphology. This decision was taken by the Executive at the Sixth International Conference on Geomorphology in Zaragoza in September 2005. As the proponents we would now like to invite you to register your interest in participating in the working group.

Our initial thoughts on what the group should seek to achieve in the next fours years are as follows:

1. Establish an e-mail discussion list
2. Establish a web site linked from the IAG/AIG web site
3. Organise a special session at an appropriate conference in 2007 with a view to publishing a thematic journal issue
4. At the 7th IAG/AIG (Melbourne 2009) have a working group session from which an edited volume is published
5. Prior or after the 7th IAG/AIG (Melbourne 2009) have a rock coast field excursion

In addition to these outcomes we would also hope the group could:

1. Develop international collaborative research programs and/or highlight the importance of rocky coasts in newly funded research networks (e.g. www.encora.org)
2. Improve our understanding of the evolution of rock coasts through international collaboration
3. Improve understanding of the process/form relationships of rock coasts through international collaboration
4. Increase awareness of the significance of rock coasts both geomorphically and as a coastal type that faces significant coastal management issues through publication of collaborative research

While these are initial thoughts we are open to further suggestions and ideas as to what a group such as this should aim to achieve. If you would like to participate please respond to Wayne Stephenson (wjs@unimelb.edu.au) indicating your interest and what sorts of activities you would be particularly interested in getting involved in and/or helping facititate. Wayne will add you to an e-mail distribution list. Please pass on this message to others who you think may be interested in the working group.

Kind regards,
Larissa Naylor and Wayne Stephenson