Physical

This chapter describes the non-living environmental characteristics of the Solway Firth.

In order to effectively plan and manage a marine area it is important to understand the physical characteristics which exist. Activities often have varying levels of success and also constraints due to different physical characteristics of a marine space, and similarly the physical characteristics of some areas form unique habitats or host wildlife in need of protection.

The physical characteristics of the Solway have influenced how and why different socio-economic activities are seen in and around the firth today. The characteristics discussed within this section all contribute to the unique culture and communities around the Solway, impacting residents lives historically and into the present.

Scroll through the subsections to find out more…

Topics covered;

• Climate Change – Impacts on Marine Life and Processes
• Climate Change – Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding
• Seabed and Coastal Geology and Sediments
• Water Circulation
• Coastal Change
• Landscape and Seascape

Image; Siddick coastal features. © Solway Firth Partnership