Scientists are using work of art to measure coastline erosion

The rate of erosion of Britain's coastline is being measured by scientists using works of art.

The University of Portsmouth is examining paintings and prints to look back in time and understand how the coasts have changed over time.

The study aims to show how people have adapted to erosion over the centuries as well as give an insight into future problems likely to be caused by rising sea levels and climate change.

A team of researchers led by Dr Robin McInnes have examined the work of 400 artists who have painted, drawn or engraved coastal scenes on the Isle of Wight between 1770 and 1920.

They drew up a shortlist of those artists whose could be considered reliable witnesses and then developed a ranking system for those remaining.

They were left with 22 artists whose works could be trusted as a fair and accurate depiction of the coastline.

Dr McInnes said: "Using art in this way gives us a clear picture of the scale and pace of coastal evolution as well as environmental and developmental change.

"It helps us understand how it has been necessary for people who live on coasts to adapt to changing conditions over the centuries; in some locations this has involved retreating to higher or more stable ground further back from the coast."

Dr Jonathan Potts, a specialist in coastal policy at the University of Portsmouth's School of Environmental Design and Management, added: "Being able to demonstrate how the coastline is changing by using art helps local people and planners and engineers see the bigger picture on the coast.

"You can monitor erosion and measure beaches and tell people how the coast is changing but these artworks are dramatic and immediate and because some are even familiar, much loved paintings, they jolt people into taking notice."