Dr Timothy Poate
Profiles

Dr Timothy Poate

Senior Research Consultant

School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)

Biography

Biography

I am a coastal scientist with 14 years of experience in coastal research, fieldwork and consultancy. I currently hold two roles at the University of Plymouth. The first is a Senior Research Consultant with Coastal Marine Applied Research (CMAR), a research-informed consultancy based within the Coastal Processes Research Group. The second is a NERC Impact Fellow on the SWEEP project.

My research focuses on wave transformation, storm impacts and morphodynamics within the larger context of coastal processes. During my academic career, I have been directly involved with major research projects with international partners and provided research expertise to further international collaborations involving fieldwork and large-scale flume experiments. My recent research has collaborations with researchers in Holland and New Zealand and project partners at Deltares and Bangor University. My extensive field-based research has incorporated in-situ instruments (pressure sensors, current meters), in-situ measurements (GPS surveys, terrestrial laser scans, bathymetric surveys) and remote survey techniques (video monitoring analysis, UAV aerial surveys). I have seven years of academic research experience and two years of civil employment (Channel Coastal Observatory), have published in peer reviewed journals and presented at multiple international conferences.

Qualifications

2017–present. NERC Impact Fellow on SWEEP Project.

2016–present. Senior Research Consultant with Coastal Marine Applied Research (CMAR), a research-informed consultancy based within the Coastal Processes Research Group.

2014–2016. Postdoctoral researcher on a three-year EPSRC funded project: Waves Across Shore Platforms.

2011–2014. Postdoctural researcher on a three year EPSRC funded project: New Understanding and Prediction of Storm Impacts on Gravel Beaches (NUPSIG)

2008–2011. PhD University of Plymouth. "Morphological Response of high-energy macrotidal beaches". Joint PRIMaRE and University of Plymouth funding. 

2005–2006. MSc Applied Marine Science, University of Plymouth. NERC Funded Studentship.

2000–2003. BSc (Hons) Oceanography with Physical Geography, Southampton University. 1st Class,

          Awarded: Society for Underwater Technology, Science and Technology Award for Undergraduates,supported by Fugro-GEOS Limited.

Roles on external bodies

2021–present. Coastal Processes member South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC)

The Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) is a committee established by the Environment Agency under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 that brings together members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant coastal experience.

2016–present. Represent the University of Plymouth Coastal Processes Research Group at the South West Coastal Group 

Highlights

REF Impact Case Study REF Impact Case Study
 Enhancing coastal resilience to extreme storms and sea-level rise

SWEEP: Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMA) SWEEP: Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMA)
 Robust methodology for helping planners map future shoreline change

SWEEP: OWWL Operational Wave Forecast SWEEP: OWWL Operational Wave Forecast
 Regional wave and water level forecast providing daily wave overtopping forecasts in the southwest

Coastal Marine Applied Research (CMAR) Coastal Marine Applied Research (CMAR)
 A research-informed coastal consultancy established to support access to world-class expertise within the Coastal Processes Research Group for the local, national and international community.

Research

Research

Research groups

Publications

Publications

Key publications

Key publications are highlighted

Journals
Articles
Stokes C, Poate T, Masselink G, King E, Saulter A & Ely N (2020) 'Forecasting coastal overtopping at engineered and naturally defended coastlines' Coastal Engineering 164, (0) 0-0 , DOI Open access
Mouragues A, Bonneton P, Castelle B, Marieu V, Barrett A, Bonneton N, Detand G, Martins K, McCarroll J & Morichon D (2020) 'Field Observations of Wave-induced Headland Rips' Journal of Coastal Research 95, (sp1) 578-578 , DOI
Billson O, Russell P, Davidson M, Poate T, Amoudry L & Williams M (2020) 'In-situ Observations of Infragravity Response during Extreme Storms on Sand and Gravel Beaches' Journal of Coastal Research 95, (sp1) 382-382 , DOI Open access
Payo A, Wallis H, Ellis MA, Barkwith A & Poate T (2020) 'Application of portable streamer traps for obtaining point measurements of total longshore sediment transport rates in mixed sand and gravel beaches' Coastal Engineering 156, 103580-103580 , DOI
Poate T, Masselink G, Austin MJ, Inch K, Dickson M & McCall R (2019) 'Infragravity wave generation on shore platforms: Bound long wave versus breakpoint forcing' Geomorphology 350, 106880-106880 , DOI Open access
Davis KJ, Binner A, Bell A, Day B, Poate T, Rees S, Smith G, Wilson K & Bateman I (2018) 'A generalisable integrated natural capital methodology for targeting investment in coastal defence' Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy 8, (4) 429-446 , DOI Open access
Poate T, Masselink G, Austin MJ, Dickson M & McCall R (2018) 'The Role of Bed Roughness in Wave Transformation Across Sloping Rock Shore Platforms' Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface , DOI Open access
Scott T, Masselink G, O'Hare T, Saulter A, Poate T, Russell P, Davidson M & Conley D (2016) 'The extreme 2013/2014 winter storms: Beach recovery along the southwest coast of England' Marine Geology 382, 224-241 , DOI Open access
Poate TG, McCall RT & Masselink G (2016) 'A new parameterisation for runup on gravel beaches' Coastal Engineering 117, 176-190 , DOI Open access
McCall RT, Masselink G, Poate TG, Roelvink JA & Almeida LP (2015) 'Modelling the morphodynamics of gravel beaches during storms with XBeach-G' Coastal Engineering , DOI Open access
Masselink G, Scott T, Poate T, Russell P, Davidson M & Conley D (2015) 'The extreme 2013/2014 winter storms: hydrodynamic forcing and coastal response along the southwest coast of England' Earth Surface Processes and Landforms n/a-n/a , DOI Open access
Masselink G, McCall R, Poate T & van Geer P (2014) 'Modelling storm response on gravel beaches using XBeach-G' Proceedings of the ICE - Maritime Engineering Author Site Open access
McCall RT, Masselink G, Poate TG, Roelvink JA, Almeida LP, Davidson M & Russell PE (2014) 'Modelling storm hydrodynamics on gravel beaches with XBeach-G' Coastal Engineering 91, 231-250 , DOI Open access
Masselink G, Austin M, Scott T, Poate T & Russell P (2014) 'Role of wave forcing, storms and nao in outer bar dynamics on a high-energy, macro-tidal beach' Geomorphology 226, 76-93 , DOI Open access
Poate T, Masselink G, Russell P & Austin M (2014) 'Morphodynamic variability of high-energy macrotidal beaches, Cornwall, UK' Marine Geology 350, (0) 97-111 Author Site , DOI Open access
Poate TG, Masselink G, McCall RM, Russell PE & Davidson MA (2014) 'Storm-driven cusp behaviour on a high energy gravel beach' JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH 645-650 Author Site , DOI
Poate TG, Masselink G, Russell P & Austin M (2014) 'Poate, Tim, Masselink, Gerhard, Russell, Paul, Austin, Martin, Morphodynamic variability of high-energy macrotidal beaches, Cornwall, UK, Marine' Marine Geology
Puleo JA, Blenkinsopp C, Conley D, Masselink G, Turner IL, Russell P, Buscombe D, Howe D, Lanckriet T & McCall R (2014) 'Comprehensive Field Study of Swash-Zone Processes. I: Experimental Design with Examples of Hydrodynamic and Sediment Transport Measurements' JOURNAL OF WATERWAY PORT COASTAL AND OCEAN ENGINEERING 140, (1) 14-28 Author Site , DOI
Austin MJ, Masselink G, McCall RT & Poate TG (2013) 'Groundwater dynamics in coastal gravel barriers backed by freshwater lagoons and the potential for saline intrusion: Two cases from the UK' JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS 123, 19-32 , DOI Open access
Poate T, Masselink G, Davidson M, McCall R, Russell P & Turner I (2013) 'High frequency in-situ field measurements of morphological response on a fine gravel beach during energetic wave conditions' MARINE GEOLOGY 342, 1-13 Author Site , DOI
Almeida LP, Masselink G, Russell P, Davidson M, Poate T, McCall R, Blenkinsopp C & Turner I (2013) 'Observations of the swash zone on a gravel beach during a storm using a laser-scanner (Lidar)' JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH 636-641 Author Site , DOI
McCall R, Masselink G, Poate T, Bradbury A, Russell P & Davidson M (2013) 'Predicting overwash on gravel barriers' JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH 1473-1478 Author Site , DOI
Poate T, Russell P, Masselink G & Kingston K 'Response of high-energy, macrotidal beaches to seasonal changes in wave conditions and individual storms: examples from North Cornwall' Journal of Coastal Research, SI 56 (10th International Coastal Symposium), 747-751.
Conference Papers
Poate T, Masselink G, Austin M, Dickson M & Kench P (2016) 'Observation of Wave Transformation on Macro-tidal Rocky Platforms' Coastal Education and Research Foundation 602-606 , DOI
Almeida LP, Masselink G, Russell P, Davidson M, McCall R & Poate T (2014) 'Swash zone morphodynamics of coarse-grained beaches during energetic wave conditions'
Almeida LP, Masselink G, Russell P, Davidson M, Poate T, McCall R, Blenkinsopp C & Turner I (2013) 'Observations of the swash zone on a gravel beach during a storm using a laser-scanner (Lidar)' 636-641 , DOI
McCall R, Masselink G, Poate T, Bradbury A, Russell P & Davidson M (2013) 'Predicting overwash on gravel barriers' 1473-1478 , DOI
Puleo JA, Blenkinsopp C, Conley D, Masselink G, Russell P, Turner I, Buscombe D, Lanckriet T, McCall R & Poate T (2012) 'Comprehensive study of swash-zone hydrodynamics and sediment transport'
Poate T, McCall R, Masselink G, Russell P & Davidson M (2012) 'Contrasting storm impacts on gravel beaches - Examples from South England'
McCall R, Masselink G, Roelvink D, Russel P, Davidson M & Poate T (2012) 'Modelling overwash and infiltration on gravel barriers'
Puleo J, Blenkinsopp C, Conley D, Masselink G, Russell P, Turner I, Buscombe D, Lanckriet T, McCall R & Poate T (2012) 'COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF SWASH-ZONE HYDRODYNAMICS AND SEDIMENT TRANSPORT' Coastal Engineering Research Council 1-1 , DOI
Poate T, McCall R, Masselink G, Russell P & Davidson M (2012) 'CONTRASTING STORM IMPACTS ON GRAVEL BEACHES – EXAMPLES FROM SOUTH ENGLAND' Coastal Engineering Research Council 84-84 , DOI
Mason T, Bradbury A, Poate T & Newman R (2009) 'NEARSHORE WAVE CLIMATE OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL - EVIDENCE FOR BI-MODAL SEAS' 605-+
Poate T, Kingston K, Masselink G & Russell P (2009) 'Response of High-energy, Macrotidal Beaches to Seasonal Changes in Wave Conditions: Examples from North Cornwall, UK' 10th International Coastal Symposium (ICS 2009) Lisbon, PORTUGAL 4-/-0/20094-/-0/2009COASTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION 747-751
Other Publications
Poate T & Masselink G Waves Across Shore Platforms (WASP) project dataset.
Personal

Personal

Conferences organised

Local Organising Committee and Scientific Board member for the 12th International Coastal Symposium, Plymouth, UK, 8–12 April 2013

Additional information

Poate, T. G., Masselink, G., Austin, M., Dickson, M., and McCall, R., The role of bed roughness in wave transformation across sloping rock shore platforms (Under review), Journal of Geophysical Research.


Poate, T. G., R. T. McCall, and G. Masselink (2016), A new parameterisation for runup on gravel beaches, Coastal Engineering, 117(Supplement C), 176-190.

Scott, T., G. Masselink, T. O'Hare, A. Saulter, T. Poate, P. Russell, M. Davidson, and D. Conley (2016), The extreme 2013/2014 winter storms: Beach recovery along the southwest coast of England, Marine Geology, 382(Supplement C), 224-241.

McCall, R. T., G. Masselink, T. G. Poate, J. A. Roelvink, and L. P. Almeida (2015), Modelling the morphodynamics of gravel beaches during storms with XBeach-G, Coastal Engineering, 103(Supplement C), 52-66.


Poate, T. G., Masselink, Gerhard, Russell, Paul, Austin, Martin, Morphodynamic variability of high-energy macrotidal beaches, Cornwall, UK, Marine
Geology (2014), doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2014.02.004

McCall, R. T., G. Masselink, T. G. Poate, J. A. Roelvink, L. P. Almeida, M. Davidson, and P. E. Russell (2014), Modelling storm hydrodynamics on gravel beaches with XBeach-G, Coastal Engineering, 91(Supplement C), 231-250.


Poate, T.G., Masselink, G., Davisdon, M., McCall, R., Russell,P. , Turner, I., 2013. Field measurements of wave runup andmorphological response on a gravel beach during energetic wave conditions.Marine Geology; DOI: 10.1016/j.margo.2013.05.009

 

Poate, T., McCall, R. , Masselink, G., Russell, P., Davidson, M., Contrasting storm impacts on gravel beaches- examples from South England. International Conference of Coastal Engineering, Santander. doi:10.9753/icce.v33.sediment.84.

 

Poate, T. G., Austin, M., Russell, P., Masselink, G. &Kingston, K. S. (2011) '3D Beach

response to energetic wave climate, Cornwall, UK', Rosati, J.D., Wang, P. and Roberts,

T.M. eds.). The 7th Coastal Sediments. Miami, Florida World Scientific, pp. 1893-1906.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009. Response of highenergy,

macrotidal beaches to seasonal changes in wave conditions:examples from North Cornwall, UK. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 56, pp.747-751.

 

Other presented work:

 

Poate, T.G., Wave Hub Impacts on Seabed and Shoreline Processes.Oral presentation

at PRIMaRE Annual Research Conference, Exeter. Janurary 2010.

 

Poate, T.G. Application of Argus to 3D beaches. Oral presentationat the 2009, Argus

Workshop at the University of Plymouth.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009.Seasonal response of

high-energy macrotidal beaches on the North coast of Cornwall,UK.Poster presentation at Young Coastal Scientist and Engineers Conference,Lancaster.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009.Response of highenergy,

macrotidal beaches to seasonal changes in wave conditions:examples from North Cornwall,UK. Oral presentation at PMSP Symposium 2009:Marine Science for a Changing World.


Symplectic Elements:  

Poate, T.G., Masselink, G., Davisdon, M., McCall, R., Russell,P. , Turner, I., 2013. Field measurements of wave runup andmorphological response on a gravel beach during energetic wave conditions.Marine Geology; DOI: 10.1016/j.margo.2013.05.009 

 

Poate, T., McCall, R. , Masselink, G.,Russell, P., Davidson, M., Contrasting storm impacts on gravel beaches- examples from South England. International Conference of CoastalEngineering, Santander. doi:10.9753/icce.v33.sediment.84.

 

Poate, T. G., Austin, M., Russell, P., Masselink, G. &Kingston, K. S. (2011) '3D Beach

response to energetic wave climate, Cornwall, UK', Rosati, J.D.,Wang, P. and Roberts,

T.M. eds.). The 7th Coastal Sediments. Miami, Florida WorldScientific, pp. 1893-1906.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009.Response of highenergy,

macrotidal beaches to seasonal changes in wave conditions:examples from North Cornwall, UK. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 56, pp.747-751.

 

Other presented work: 

 

Poate, T.G., Wave Hub Impacts on Seabed and Shoreline Processes.Oral presentation

at PRIMaRE Annual Research Conference, Exeter. Janurary 2010.

 

Poate, T.G. Application of Argus to 3D beaches. Oral presentationat the 2009, Argus

Workshop at the University of Plymouth.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009.Seasonal response of

high-energy macrotidal beaches on the North coast of Cornwall,UK.Poster presentation at Young Coastal Scientist and Engineers Conference,Lancaster.

 

Poate, T.G.; Kingston, K.S.; Masselink, G. and Russell, P., 2009.Response of highenergy,

macrotidal beaches to seasonal changes in wave conditions:examples from North Cornwall,UK. Oral presentation at PMSP Symposium 2009:Marine Science for a Changing World.

Links

Current Project: NUPSIG


PhD Project: WHISSP

http://www.perc.plymouth.ac.uk/whissp/