Coastal studies at Heard Island 1992/93: Changes in sea surface temperature and coastal landforms

Sea temperature was measured weekly at Spit Bay, Heard Island, from April 1992 to March 1993. Temperatures were generally higher than those recorded in 1949 (at Atlas Cove), but these sites are not strictly comparable. Sea temperatures around Heard Island were stable from the 1920s to the 1940s, with a general increase in sea surface temperatures in the region being a recent phenomenon accompanied by widespread glacial retreat and the accelerated erosion of coastal features since the early 1950s. There is an area of active erosion by both water and wind in an arc from Winston Lagoon on the southeastern coast through to the northeastern coast at Compton Lagoon. This is most likely an effect of the loss of glaciers allowing strong erosive water movement along the coast. Movements of this dynamic coastline have important implications for long-term monitoring studies and for the management of the island.