AUSTRALIAN TIDAL FLATS

Investigations along the eastern and western coasts of Australia in the winter of 1961 preceded more intensified observation during the summer (February-April) of 1963. A number of beaches in Queensland and Western Australia are described briefly in journal style. Five sections were surveyed during the second period of field work; two near Darwin, N. T., and three near Port Hedland, W. A. Flats exposed during low spring tide in territory where the maximum tidal range amounts to 30 or 40 feet differ conspicuously on the basis of whether coastal sand supply is excessive or deficient. In the former case, sand is being lost rapidly to water beyond dropoffs, from whence it will not be returned to beach-dune systems. Flats on a coast deficient in sand are less interesting from this standpoint of beach processes but are exciting biologically. The surveyed sections and 45 illustrations are included. (Author)