Dr Wayne Stephenson staff Profile, Academic staff, School of Geography

Wayne Stephenson image Professor

MSc(Cant)
PhD(Cant)

Richardson Building, room 4N4
Office Hours: email to make an appointment
Tel +64 3 479 8776
Email wayne.stephenson@otago.ac.nz
Google Scholar: Wayne Stephenson

Teaching

ENVI 111 Environment and Society (Coordinator)
GEOG 201 Field Research Methods
GEOG 216 Resource Evaluation and Planning
GEOG 298 Coastal Geomorphology (Coordinator)
GEOG 301 Field Research Studies
GEOG 398 Coastal Geomorphology (Coordinator)
GEOG 474 Coastal Management

Research interests

My research focuses on coastal geomorphology, particularly the processes that shape rock coasts and their responses to tectonic activity, extreme events and climate change. A central theme is understanding how interactions between geological setting, wave processes, weathering and sediment dynamics control the morphology and rates of change of rock coasts. This work combines long-term field measurements with topographic surveying, numerical modelling and analysis of coastal change across a range of spatial and temporal scales.

A major focus of my recent research has been the response of the Kaikōura coast to the 2016 Mw 7.8 earthquake. The earthquake uplifted extensive areas of shore platform and created a new marine terrace, providing an unusual opportunity to observe how a rock coast adjusts following rapid tectonic displacement. Building on a long-term erosion-monitoring programme extending back to the 1970s, this research examines changes in erosion rates, wave exposure, sediment dynamics and cliff and platform morphology following uplift. More broadly, I am interested in how tectonics, sea level change and geological inheritance interact to produce rock coast landforms and how rapidly those landforms can be modified or removed.

A related strand of my research examines the role of extreme events in coastal change. This includes the effects of storms and extreme waves on rock coasts, erosion and transport of coastal boulders, rapid cliff and landform failure, and the implications of episodic erosion for interpreting longer-term coastal evolution. I am particularly interested in challenging simple assumptions about coastal response to sea level rise. Rock coasts do not necessarily respond through uniform acceleration of erosion, and understanding their future behaviour requires consideration of changes in wave energy, water depth, rock resistance, sediment availability and inherited morphology.

My broader coastal geomorphology research includes mixed sand-and-gravel beaches, sediment abrasion and transport, rip currents, coastal weathering, fetch-limited beaches and coral reef and reef-island geomorphology. Recent collaborative research has included work on reef-island adjustment to environmental change in the Maldives and on the measurement of pebble and cobble abrasion on mixed-sediment beaches. Across these projects, my interest is in linking direct measurements of contemporary processes with longer-term landscape evolution.

Coastal management and coastal hazards form an important applied component of my work. My interests include coastal erosion, sea level rise, hazard assessment, adaptation and the conservation of coastal environments. I regularly provide scientific advice to communities, councils and government agencies. This work includes coastal hazard assessment, technical review, environmental impact assessment and expert evidence for planning and resource-management processes.

Potential student projects

I welcome enquiries from prospective MSc and PhD students interested in coastal geomorphology, coastal hazards and coastal management. Projects can be developed around a student's particular interests, but my current research interests include:

Rock coast erosion and morphodynamics
Rock resistance and geological controls on coastal evolution
Tectonic coasts and marine terrace evolution
Extreme events and rapid coastal change
Coastal response to sea-level rise and climate change
Sediment connectivity across river–coast–shelf systems
Mixed-sediment beach morphodynamics and abrasion
Coastal hazards, adaptation and management

Other projects within coastal geomorphology are also possible, and I particularly welcome proposals that utilise remote sensing, spatial analysis, numerical modelling or long-term environmental datasets.

Recent research grants

Postgraduate supervision

Current supervision

Charlie Cox, PhD: Sediment Connectivity on a high-energy coast
Md Sakaouth Hossain, PhD: Shore Platform erosion rates assessed with InSAR and Micro-erosion meters
Kim Kessler, PhD: Community-Based Development in Times of a Changing Climate: Insights from Fiji

Previous supervision

Corban Church, 2025 MSc: Risk tolerance in communities threatened by coastal hazards.
Lovleen Chowdrey 2025 PhD (University of Auckland): Unveiling Coastal Dynamics: Integrating Empirical Data and Modelling to Resolve Equifinality in Shore Profile Development
Sophie Horton, 2023 PhD: Changing process regimes on uplifted shore platforms
Raphael Krier, 2023 PhD: Wave transformation across shore platforms.
Jokotola Taiwo, 2023 PhD: Multi-scale erosion dynamics on shore platforms
Amanda Riddle, 2022 MSc: Depth of Disturbance on Mixed Sand and Gravel Beaches
Mitchel Dingwall, 2022 MSc: Holocene sea level variations on the Canterbury coast
Runjie Yuan, 2021 PhD (University of Melbourne): Micro-erosion of shore platforms
Cesar Ramiraz, 2021 PhD: Wave attenuation and bed roughness over coral reefs
Ashlyn Gallaher, 2021 MSc: Halemda sediment production and abrasion on a Maldivian coral reef
Ryan Adam, 2019 MSC: Storm surge and beach response in southern New Zealand
Craig MacDonell, 2019 MSc (Surveying): A new eye on ecology: 4-Dimensional mapping with RPAS to characterise the spatio-temporal evolution of the Okia Reserve coastal restoration programme
Danielle Buchanan, 2018 MSC (University of Glasgow): Decadal to multi-decadal erosion of shore platforms
Cameron Hay, 2018 MAppSc Environmental Management: Sandy beach interactions with a seawall: A 9-year record of beach profile change, St Clair, Dunedin
Leigh McKenzie, 2017 MENVM: Farmers market food
Dong Shuyun, 2017 PhD: Modelling typhoon impacts on coastal Shanghai
Runjie Yuan, 2017 MSC: The drivers of hourly-scale surface change on shore platforms. University of Melbourne (co-supervisor)
Hannah Payne-Harker, 2016 MPLAN: Ecosystem services-based management: Evaluation of an approach to coastal management and decision making in New Zealand
Chen Bin, 2015 PhD: Abrasion in mixed sand and gravel beaches
Margaret Winter, 2013 MSc: Classification of mixed lacustrine beaches
Aaron Edwards, 2012 MPlan: Surf break management
Brigitte Allen, 2011 MPlan: Transport planning in the Wellington CBD
Caitlin Chew, 2011 BAppSc(Hons): Impacts on dredge spoil on paua
Greg Stevenson, 2010 BSc(Hons): Risk perception to tsunami hazards

Publications

Hossain, M. S., Stephenson, W., Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Dickson, M., & Rahman, A. (2026). Multiscale downwearing dynamics and temporal memory of shore platforms revealed through hierarchical statistical modelling of long-term micro-erosion meter observations, Otway Coast, Australia. Marine Geology, 501, 107877. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2026.107877 Journal - Research Article

Kirk, R. M., Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., Horton, S. L., Omidiji, J. J., Hossain, M. S., … Hurst, M. D. (2026). Fifty years of shore platform erosion monitoring at Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island, Aotearoa-New Zealand. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 51, e70360. doi: 10.1002/esp.70360 Journal - Research Article

Kennedy, D. M., Jones, R., Yuan, R., Fink, D., Fujioka, T., Hurst, M., Stephenson, W. J., & Woodroffe, C. D. (2026). Shore platform morphological inheritance from past higher sea levels in a microtidal setting. Marine Geology, 500, 107850. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2026.107850 Journal - Research Article

Horton, S. L., Dickson, M. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2026). The influence of ex-tropical cyclones on marine terrace retreat. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 51(6), e70312. doi: 10.1002/esp.70312 Journal - Research Article

Cox, R., Bourke, M. C., Engel, M., Kennedy, A. B., Lau, A., Suanez, S., … Stephenson, W., … Watanabe, M. (2025). Understanding extreme-wave hazards on high-energy coasts requires a standardised approach to field data collection: Analysis and recommendations. Natural Hazards & Earth System Sciences, 25(10), 4203-4226. doi: 10.5194/nhess-25-4203-2025 Journal - Research Article

2026

Journal - Research Article

2025

Journal - Research Article

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., Dickson, M., & Norton, K. (2025). Micro-Erosion Meter derived downwearing rates on inter-tidal shore platforms at Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand: Implications for uplifted rock coasts. Marine Geology, 489, 107636. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107636

Chen, B., Stephenson, W., Hemmingsen, M., & Hilton, M. (2025). Measuring beach pebbles and cobbles abrasion with RFID technology on a mixed sand and gravel beach, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 487, 109919. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109919

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., Hurst, M. D., Omidiji, J., Horton, S. L., Litchfield, N. J., … McLean, A. D. (2025). Are Holocene coseismic marine terrace sequences complete paleoseismic records? Rapid erosion of a new marine terrace created during the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaiko-ura earthquake suggests not! Geology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1130/G53244.1

Irvine, R., Stephenson, W., & Mager, S. M. (2025). Beach user competencies in rip current identification using videos and photographs on a New Zealand surf beach. Natural Hazards, 121, 7707-7726. doi: 10.1007/s11069-024-07089-9

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. E. (2025). Numerical investigation of the refractive properties of near-horizontal shore platforms and their effects on harmonic and stationary wave patterns. Geomorphology, 468, 109491. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2024.109491

2024

Journal - Research Article

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Finlayson, B. L. (2024). The influence of weathering processes on microtopographic changes of sandstone under simulated upper intertidal conditions from weekly to monthly scales. Geomorphology, 455, 109209. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108999

Zhang, Y., Zhang, Z., Stephenson, W., & Chen, Y. (2024). Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements in tidal flat sediments from Qidong Cape, Yangtze River Estuary: Implications for the study of sedimentary environmental change. Land, 13, 1425. doi: 10.3390/land13091425

Acharya-Chowdhury, L., Dickson, M., Norton, K., Rowland, J., Hall, B., & Stephenson, W. (2024). Reconciling short- and long-term measurements of coastal cliff erosion rates. Engineering Geology, 341, 107703. doi: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2024.107703

Horton, S. L., Dickson, M. E., Stephenson, W. J., & Hall, B. S. (2024). Storm overtopping of a marine terrace at the penultimate stage of evolution. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 49, 2723-2735. doi: 10.1002/esp.5852

Matsumoto, H., Dickson, M. E., Stephenson, W. J., Thompson, C. F., & Young, A. P. (2024). Modeling future cliff-front waves during sea level rise and implications for coastal cliff retreat rates. Scientific Reports, 14, 7810. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-57923-0

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Finlayson, B. L. (2024). The influence of weathering processes on microtopographic changes of sandstone under simulated upper intertidal conditions from hourly to weekly scales. Geomorphology, 446, 108999. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108999

Journal - Research Other

Warrick, J. A., Buscombe, D., Vos, K., Bryan, K. R., Castelle, B., Cooper, J. A. G., … Stephenson, W. J., … Young, A. P. (2024). Coastal shoreline change assessments at global scales. Nature Communications, 15, 2316. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46608-x

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hudson, R. M., Tidey, E. J., & Stephenson, W. J. (2024). How can a hierarchical geomorphic framework be used to improve coastal management on the East Otago Coast? Proceedings of the New Zealand Coastal Society (NZCS) Annual Conference. Retrieved from https://www.coastalsociety.org.nz/

Couto, P., Suanda, S. H., Souza, J. M., & Stephenson, W. J. (2024). Pathways of cross-shelf exchange in a submarine canyon environment, Aotearoa New Zealand. Proceedings of the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM). CP23A-07. Retrieved from https://agu.confex.com/agu/OSM24/meetingapp.cgi/

Other Research Output

Stephenson, W. (2024, March). Coastal erosion, sea level rise and an earthquake: Doing geomorphology between the rocks and a hard place. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].

2023

Journal - Research Article

Horton, S. L., Stephenson, W. J., & Dickson, M. E. (2023). Trapping of fine-grained sediment on a supply-limited intertidal shore platform at Kaikōura, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 442, 108926. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108926

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., & Norton, K. (2023). Cross-scale erosion on shore platforms using the micro-erosion meter and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Geomorphology, 434, 108736. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108736

Kench, P. S., Liang, C., Ford, M. R., Owen, S. D., Aslam, M., Ryan, E., … Stephenson, W., … McLean, R. F. (2023). Reef islands have continually adjusted to environmental change over the past two millennia. Nature Communications, 14, 508. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36171-2

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. (2023). The effects of planform morphology on two-dimensional wave transformation over near-horizontal shore platforms. Geomorphology, 422, 108555. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108555

Journal - Research Other

Dickson, M. E., Matsumoto, H., & Stephenson, W. J. (2023). Sea-level rise may not uniformly accelerate cliff erosion rates. Nature Communications, 14(1), 8485. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-44149-3

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., Omidiji, J., Norton, K. P., Litchfield, N. J., Horton, S., Krier-Mariani, R., … Hurst, M. D. (2023). Erosion rates on recently uplift marine terraces following the 2016 magnitude (Mw) 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake. Proceedings of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting: Wide. Open. Science. EP24A-05. Retrieved from https://www.agu.org

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., Dickson, M., & Norton, K. (2023). Pre- and post-uplift shore platform erosion rates and patterns: Implications for rock coast evolution in active regions (Māhia and Kaikōura Peninsulas, New Zealand). In G. E. Frontin-Rollett & S. D. Nodder (Eds.), Geoscience Society of New Zealand Miscellaneous Publication. 164A, (pp. 183). Wellington, New Zealand: Geoscience Society of New Zealand. [Abstract]

Mclean, A., Dickson, M., Norton, K., Litchfield, N., Wilcken, K., & Stephenson, W. (2023). Convergent shore platform evolution: Demonstrating tectonics, eustatic sea level and inheritance controls on NZ shore platform formation using cosmogenic nuclides. In G. E. Frontin-Rollett & S. D. Nodder (Eds.), Geoscience Society of New Zealand Miscellaneous Publication. 164A, (pp. 158). Wellington, New Zealand: Geoscience Society of New Zealand. [Abstract]

2022

Chapter in Book - Research

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., & Trenhaile, A. S. (2022). Rock coasts. In D. J. Sherman (Ed.), Treatise on geomorphology: Coastal and submarine geomorphology (Vol. 8). (2nd ed.) (pp. 561-586). London, UK: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818234-5.00053-5

Journal - Research Article

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., Dickson, M., & Norton, K. (2022). Tectonics and shore platform development: Rates and patterns of erosion on recently uplifted mudstone and limestone rocks at Kaikōura Peninsula, New Zealand. Marine Geology, 451, 106887. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2022.106887

Zhao, Z., Mitchell, N. C., & Stephenson, W. J. (2022). Testing the Sunamura et al. (2014) equations for wave attenuation over shore platforms. Geomorphology, 419, 108480. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108480

Horton, S. L., Dickson, M. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2022). Supratidal inundation on an incipient marine terrace. Geomorphology, 417, 108443. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108443

Horton, S. L., Dickson, M. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2022). The consequences of uplift on wave transformation across a shore platform, Kaikōura, New Zealand. Marine Geology, 451, 106888. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2022.106888

Horton, S. L., Stephenson, W. J., & Dickson, M. E. (2022). Changes in shore platform wetting and drying cycles following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake: Implications for incipient marine terrace evolution. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 47, 2972-2988. doi: 10.1002/esp.5438

Dickson, M. E., Omidiji, J., Litchfield, N. J., Norton, K. P., Matsumoto, H., Krier-Mariani, R. L., Horton, S. L., … Stephenson, W. J. (2022). Observations of the incipient and penultimate stages of Holocene marine terrace development. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 47, 3019-3032. doi: 10.1002/esp.5440

Dong, S., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S., Chen, Z., & Ge, J. (2022). Mesoscale simulation of typhoon-generated storm surge: Methodology and Shanghai case study. Natural Hazards & Earth System Sciences, 22, 931-945. doi: 10.5194/nhess-22-931-2022

Krier-Mariani, R. L., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S. J., & Dickson, M. E. (2022). Perspectives on wave transformation over a near-horizontal shore platform: Comparison of a two-dimensional and transect approach. Geomorphology, 405, 108200. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108200

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Finlayson, B. L. (2022). The precision and accuracy of measuring micro-scale erosion on shore platforms. Marine Geology, 443, 106691. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2021.106691

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Acharya-Chowdhury, L., Dickson, M., Norton, K., Rowland, J., & Stephenson, W. (2022). Do short-term cliff-erosion measurements reliably represent long-term erosion rates? Proceedings of the 10th IAG International Conference on Geomorphology: Geomorphology and Global Change. ICG2002-298. doi: 10.5194/icg2022-298

McLean, A., Dickson, M., Norton, K., Wilcken, K., Stephenson, W., & Litchfield, N. (2022). Cosmogenic ¹⁰Be from uplifted bedrock marine terraces indicates revised Holocene earthquake intensity for northeast South Island, New Zealand. Proceedings of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly. EGU22-11019. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu22-11019

Couto, P., Suanda, S., De Souza, J., & Stephenson, W. (2022). Nearshore-to-shelf coupling and transport driven by waves and hydrodynamics offshore of the Kaikōura submarine canyon, New Zealand. Proceedings of the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM). Retrieved from https://www.aslo.org/osm2022

2021

Journal - Research Article

Acevedo-Ramirez, C. A., Stephenson, W., Wakes, S., & Mariño-Tapia, I. (2021). Wave transformation on a fringing reef system with spur and groove structures. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 126, e2020JC016910. doi: 10.1029/2020JC016910

Adam, R. J., Hilton, M. J., Jowett, T., & Stephenson, W. J. (2021). The magnitude and frequency of storm surge in southern New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Marine & Freshwater Research, 55(2), 336-351. doi: 10.1080/00288330.2020.1764596

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., Norton, K., & Dickson, M. (2021). Tectonics and shore platform development: Rates and patterns of erosion on recently uplifted mudstone and limestone rocks at Kaikōura Peninsula, New Zealand. Proceedings of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu21-10394

2020

Journal - Research Article

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Finlayson, B. L. (2020). The multidecadal spatial pattern of erosion on sandstone shore platforms in south-eastern Australia. Geomorphology, 371, 107437. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107437

Gerivani, H., Stephenson, W., & Afarin, M. (2020). Sea cliff instability hazard assessment for coastal management in Chabahar, Iran. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 24(1), 5. doi: 10.1007/s11852-019-00726-7

Buchanan, D. H., Naylor, L. A., Hurst, M. D., & Stephenson, W. J. (2020). Erosion of rocky shore platforms by block detachment from layered stratigraphy. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 45, 1028-1037. doi: 10.1002/esp.4797

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Dickson, M., Acharya-Chowdhury, L., Horton, S., Hurst, M., Krier, R., Litchfield, N., … Omidiji, J., Smith, M., & Stephenson, W. (2020). Creation and destruction of Holocene marine terraces at Mahia Peninsula. In K. N. Bassett, A. R. L. Nichols & C. H. Fenton (Eds.), Geoscience Society of New Zealand Miscellaneous Publication. 157A, (pp. 78). Wellington, New Zealand: Geoscience Society of New Zealand. [Abstract]

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., & Norton, K. (2020). Quantifying rates and patterns of erosion on newly uplifted mudstone and limestone rocks at Kaikōura Peninsula South Island New Zealand. In K. N. Bassett, A. R. L. Nichols & C. H. Fenton (Eds.), Geoscience Society of New Zealand Miscellaneous Publication. 157A, (pp. 204). Wellington, New Zealand: Geoscience Society of New Zealand. [Abstract]

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., Hurst, M. D., Litchfield, N. J., & Norton, K. P. (2020). Erosion rates on uplift marine terraces following the 2019 Kaikōura magnitude 7.8 (M_w) earthquake. Proceedings of the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM). MG14A-2175. Retrieved from https://agu.confex.com/agu/osm20/meetingapp.cgi

Acevedo, C., Stephenson, W. J., Marino-Tapia, I., & Wakes, S. (2020). Hydrodynamics on fringing reef systems with spur and groove structures. Proceedings of the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM). CP53C-01. Retrieved from https://agu.confex.com/agu/osm20/meetingapp.cgi

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. E. (2020). Investigating the link between three-dimensional wave transformation patterns and shore platform morphology. Proceedings of the Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM). CP13A-03. Retrieved from https://agu.confex.com/agu/osm20/meetingapp.cgi

2019

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., Kirk, R. M., & Hemmingsen, M. A. (2019). Forty three years of micro-erosion meter monitoring of erosion rates on shore platforms at Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 344, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.07.012

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Gómez-Pujol, L. (2019). Experimental investigations into the influence of biofilms and environmental factors on short-term microtopographic fluctuations of supratidal sandstone. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 44, 1377-1389. doi: 10.1002/esp.4581

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Stephenson, W., Kirk, B., & Hemmingsen, M. (2019). 43 years of monitoring erosion rates on shore platforms at Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 21, EGU2019-6193. [Abstract]

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. (2019). Wave transformation across rocky shore platforms, a new approach. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 21, EGU2019-3037. [Abstract]

Horton, S. L., Stephenson, W. J., & Dickson, M. E. (2019). Shore platform generation on tectonic coastlines: Are they preserved and for how long? Proceedings of the New Zealand Coastal Society (NZCS) Annual Conference. (pp. 113). Retrieved from https://www.coastalsociety.org.nz/

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. (2019). A new wave of observations on the rocky edge and its hydrodynamical repercussions. Proceedings of the New Zealand Coastal Society (NZCS) Annual Conference. (pp. 58-59). Retrieved from https://www.coastalsociety.org.nz/

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Kerr, R., Hepburn, C., & Stephenson, W. (2019, August). Biofiltration by 'nuisance' macroalgae provide an ecosystem service in the Waikouaiti River Estuary. Poster session presented at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Holden, M., Stephenson, W., Dickinson, K., & Schweikert, K. (2019, August). The value of rock coasts: An ecosystem services perspective. Poster session presented at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Omidiji, J., Stephenson, W., & Dickson, M. (2019, August). Cross-scalar analysis of intertidal shore platforms on Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand using structure-from-motion photogrammetry. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Krier-Mariani, R., Stephenson, W., Wakes, S., & Dickson, M. (2019, August). A new approach on wave transformation across rocky shore platforms, method and application. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Gallagher, A., & Stephenson, W. (2019, August). Calcifying algae abrasion rates and contributions to the reef sediment budget under a changing climate. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Kessler, K. A., Binns, T., & Stephenson, W. (2019, August). Community-based development in times of a changing climate: Insights from the Fiji Islands. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Horton, S., Stephenson, W., & Dickson, M. (2019, August). Shore platform morphology and marine terrace sequences on a tectonic coastline. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Dingwall, M., & Stephenson, W. (2019, August). Looking into the past: Sea level variation on the Canterbury coastline, New Zealand. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Acevedo-Ramirez, C. A., Marino-Tapia, I., Stephenson, W., & Wakes, S. (2019, August). Hydrodynamics on fringing reef systems with spur and groove structures. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Smith, M., & Stephenson, W. (2019, August). Implications of the Kaikōura earthquake on marine terrace development. Verbal presentation at the School of Geography Postgraduate Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2018

Journal - Research Article

Yuan, R., Kennedy, D. M., & Stephenson, W. J. (2018). Hourly to daily-scale microtopographic fluctuations of supratidal sandstone. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 43, 3142-3151. doi: 10.1002/esp.4476

Stephenson, W. J., Naylor, L. A., Smith, H., Chen, B., & Brayne, R. P. (2018). Wave transformation across a macrotidal shore platform under low to moderate energy conditions. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 43(1), 298-311. doi: 10.1002/esp.4245

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hurst, M. D., Rood, D. H., Stephenson, W. J., Naylor, L. A., Dickson, M. E., Clark, K., & Seal, A. (2018). Marine terrace genesis on an active tectonic coast: Rates and processes of rock coast erosion prior to uplift during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake inferred from cosmogenic ¹⁰Be concentrations. Proceedings of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting. EP23C-2343. Retrieved from https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2018

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., Hurst, M. D., Litchfield, N. J., & Norton, K. P. (2018). Erosion rates on newly uplift marine terraces following the 2016 Kaikōura magnitude 7.8 (Mw) earthquake. Proceedings of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting. EP23C-2295. Retrieved from https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2018

2017

Journal - Research Other

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., & Denys, P. H. (2017). New insights on the relative contributions of coastal processes and tectonics to shore platform development following the Kaikōura earthquake. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 42(13), 2214-2220. doi: 10.1002/esp.4176

2016

Journal - Research Article

Mottershead, D. N., Stephenson, W. J., & Hemmingsen, M. A. (2016). Geomorphology and the Law of Unintended Consequences (Locke, 1691): Lessons from coastal weathering and erosion at Prawle (UK) and Kaikoura (NZ). Geomorphology, 265, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.04.015

Naylor, L. A., Stephenson, W. J., Smith, H. C. M., Way, O., Mendelssohn, J., & Cowley, A. (2016). Geomorphological control on boulder transport and coastal erosion before, during and after an extreme extra-tropical cyclone. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 41(5), 685-700. doi: 10.1002/esp.3900

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Stephenson, W. J., & Abazović, A. (2016). Measuring coastal boulder movement under waves using tri- axial accelerometers. Journal of Coastal Research, (Spec. Iss. 75), (pp. 607-611). doi: 10.2112/SI75-122.1

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Dong, S., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S., Chen, Z., & Ge, J. (2016). The framework and application of vulnerability assessment of reclaimed land to typhoon storm surge inundation. In S. Sauvage, J. M. Sánchez-Pérez & A. E. Rizzoli (Eds.), Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software (iEMSs) (Vol. 4). (pp. 1206). [Abstract]

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Payne-Harker, H., Stephenson, W., & Hepburn, C. (2016, November). Ecosystem services based approach to coastal management and planning in New Zealand. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Coastal Society (NZCS) 24th Annual Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Dong, S., Stephenson, W. J., & Wakes, S. (2016, February). A new method for reclamation planning in coastal area based on vulnerability assessment to typhoon storm surge inundation. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Geographical Society Conference: Geographical Interactions, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2015

Journal - Research Article

Chen, B., & Stephenson, W. (2015). Measuring pebble abrasion on a mixed sand and gravel beach using abrasion baskets. Geomorphology, 248, 24-32. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.07.034

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Dong, S., Stephenson, W. J., Wakes, S., Chen, Z., & Ge, J. (2015). A new method for reclamation planning in coastal areas based on vulnerability assessment to typhoon storm surge inundation. In C. Ergler & S. Connelly (Eds.), Proceedings of the Postgraduate Symposium. (pp. 36). Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Geography, University of Otago. [Abstract]

2014

Edited Book - Research

Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Naylor, L. A. (Eds.). (2014). Rock coast geomorphology: A global synthesis (Geological Society Memoir No. 40). London, UK: Geological Society, 292p. doi: 10.1144/M40.0

Chapter in Book - Research

Stephenson, W. (2014). Rock coasts. In G. Masselink & R. Gehrels (Eds.), Coastal environments & global change. (pp. 356-379). Chichester, UK: Wiley.

Naylor, L. A., Kennedy, D. M., & Stephenson, W. J. (2014). Synthesis and conclusion to the rock coast geomorphology of the world. In D. M. Kennedy, W. J. Stephenson & L. A. Naylor (Eds.), Rock coast geomorphology: A global synthesis (Geological Society Memoir No. 40). (pp. 283-286). London, UK: Geological Society. doi: 10.1144/M40.17

Dickson, M. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2014). The rock coast of New Zealand. In D. M. Kennedy, W. J. Stephenson & L. A. Naylor (Eds.), Rock coast geomorphology: A global synthesis (Geological Society Memoir No. 40). (pp. 225-234). London, UK: Geological Society. doi: 10.1144/M40.13

Kennedy, D. M., Stephenson, W. J., & Naylor, L. A. (2014). Introduction to the rock coasts of the world. In D. M. Kennedy, W. J. Stephenson & L. A. Naylor (Eds.), Rock coast geomorphology: A global synthesis (Geological Society Memoir No. 40). (pp. 1-5). London, UK: Geological Society. doi: 10.1144/M40.1

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Dong, S., Stephenson, W. J., & Wakes, S. (2014). Vulnerability assessment of Shanghai coastal area to typhoon storm surge inundation based on scenario simulation. In T. Konlechner & S. Connelly (Eds.), Proceedings of the Postgraduate Symposium. (pp. 18). Retrieved from http://www.geography.otago.ac.nz/resources

2013

Chapter in Book - Research

Stephenson, W. (2013). The micro and traversing erosion meter. In J. F. Shroder (Ed.), Treatise on geomorphology: Methods in geomorphology (Vol. 14). (pp. 164-169). London, UK: Academic Press.

Stephenson, W. J., Dickson, M. E., & Trenhaile, A. S. (2013). Rock coasts. In J. F. Shroder (Ed.), Treatise on geomorphology: Coastal geomorphology (Vol. 10). (pp. 289-307). London, UK: Academic Press.

Stephenson, W. (2013). Coastal erosion. In P. T. Bobrowsky (Ed.), Encyclopedia of natural hazards. (pp. 94-97). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-4399-4

Stephenson, W. (2013). Rip current. In P. T. Bobrowsky (Ed.), Encyclopedia of natural hazards. (pp. 855-856). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-4399-4

Journal - Research Article

Edwards, A., & Stephenson, W. (2013). Assessing the potential for surf break co-management: Evidence from New Zealand. Coastal Management, 41(6), 537-560. doi: 10.1080/08920753.2013.842681

Chew, C. A., Hepburn, C. D., & Stephenson, W. (2013). Low-level sedimentation modifies behaviour in juvenile Haliotis iris and may affect their vulnerability to predation. Marine Biology, 160(5), 1213-1221. doi: 10.1007/s00227-013-2173-0

Journal - Research Other

O'Neill, P., Finlayson, B., Forster, C., & Stephenson, W. (2013). The importance of the Journal's reviewers. Geographical Research, 51(3), 225-226. doi: 10.1111/1745-5871.12034

2012

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., Kirk, R. M., Kennedy, D. M., Finlayson, B. L., & Chen, Z. (2012). Long term shore platform surface lowering rates: Revisiting Gill and Lang after 32 years. Marine Geology, 299–302, 90-95. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2012.01.005

Journal - Research Other

Finlayson, B., & Stephenson, W. (2012). Geographical Research: Retrospect and prospect. Geographical Research, 50(4), 343-344. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-5871.2012.00784.x

2011

Journal - Research Article

Miloshis, M., & Stephenson, W. J. (2011). Rip current escape strategies: Lessons for swimmers and coastal rescue authorities. Natural Hazards, 59(2), 823-832. doi: 10.1007/s11069-011-9798-4

Marshall, R. J. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2011). The morphodynamics of shore platforms in a micro-tidal setting: Interactions between waves and morphology. Marine Geology, 288(1-4), 18-31. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2011.06.007

Paris, R., Naylor, L. A., & Stephenson, W. J. (2011). Boulders as a signature of storms on rock coasts. Marine Geology, 283(1-4), 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2011.03.016

Chen, B., Chen, Z., Stephenson, W., & Finlayson, B. (2011). Morphodynamics of a boulder beach, Putuo Island, SE China coast: The role of storms and typhoon. Marine Geology, 283(1-4), 106-115. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2010.10.004

Stephenson, W. J., & Naylor, L. A. (2011). Geological controls on boulder production in a rock coast setting: Insights from South Wales, UK. Marine Geology, 283(1-4), 12-24. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2010.07.001

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Stephenson, W. J., & Naylor, L. A. (2011). Within site geological contingency and its effect on rock coast erosion. Journal of Coastal Research, (Special Issue 64), (pp. 831-835). [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Chew, C., Hepburn, C., & Stephenson, W. (2011). The effects of sedimentation on the growth and mortality of juvenile Haliotis iris and their living habitat (crustose coralline algae). Proceedings of the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society (NZMSS) Conference: Understanding, Managing, and Conserving our Marine Environment. (pp. 37). Retrieved from http://nzmss.org/assets/Conference/NZMSS2011AbstractsPosterPresentations.pdf

2010

Journal - Research Article

Naylor, L. A., Stephenson, W. J., & Trenhaile, A. S. (2010). Rock coast geomorphology: Recent advances and future research directions. Geomorphology, 114, 3-11. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.02.004

Stephenson, W. J., Kirk, R. M., Hemmingsen, S. A., & Hemmingsen, M. A. (2010). Decadal scale micro erosion rates on shore platforms. Geomorphology, 114(1-2), 22-29. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.10.013

Naylor, L. A., & Stephenson, W. J. (2010). On the role of discontinuities in mediating shore platform erosion. Geomorphology, 114(1-2), 89-100. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.12.024

Inkpen, R. J., Stephenson, W. J., Kirk, R. M., Hemmingsen, M. A., & Hemmingsen, S. A. (2010). Analysis of relationships between micro-topography and short- and long-term erosion rates on shore platforms at Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 121(3-4), 266-273. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2010.04.023

Journal - Research Other

Stephenson, W. J., & Naylor, L. A. (2010). Rock coast geomorphology [Editorial]. Geomorphology, 114, 1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.02.013

Conference Contribution - Edited volume of conference proceedings

Stephenson, W. (Ed.). (2010). Proceedings of the Geography Postgraduate Symposium. Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Geography, University of Otago. 50p.

2009

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., & Finlayson, B. (2009). Measuring erosion with the micro-erosion meter: Contributions to understanding landform evolution. Earth-Science Reviews, 95(1-2), 53-92. doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2009.03.006

2008

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. (2008). Discussion of de Lange, W. P. and Moon V. G. 2005. Estimating long-term cliff recession rates from shore platform widths. Engineering Geology 80, 292-301. Engineering Geology, 101(3-4), 288-291. doi: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2008.04.008

Goodfellow, B. W., & Stephenson, W. J. (2008). Role of infragravity energy in bar formation in a strong-wind bay: Observations from Seaford Beach, Port Phillip Bay, Australia. Geographical Research, 46(2), 208-223. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-5871.2008.00511.x

2007

Journal - Research Article

Gómez-Pujol, L., Stephenson, W. J., & Fornós, J. J. (2007). Two-hourly surface change on supra-tidal rock (Marengo, Victoria, Australia). Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 32(1), 1-12. doi: 10.1002/esp.1373

2006

Journal - Research Article

Thornton, L. E., & Stephenson, W. J. (2006). Rock strength: A control of shore platform elevation. Journal of Coastal Research, 22(1), 224-231. doi: 10.2112/05a-0017.1

Stephenson, W. J. (2006). Coastal geomorphology. Progress in Physical Geography, 30(1), 122-132. doi: 10.1191/0309133306pp475pr

Inkpen, R. J., & Stephenson, W. (2006). Statistical analysis of the significance of site topography and erosion history on erosion rates on intertidal shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 81(1-2), 18-28. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.03.004

2005

Journal - Research Article

Goodfellow, B. W., & Stephenson, W. J. (2005). Beach morphodynamics in a strong-wind bay: A low-energy environment? Marine Geology, 214, 101-116. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2004.10.022

Stephenson, W. J., & Thornton, L. E. (2005). Australian rock coasts: Review and prospects. Australian Geographer, 36(1), 95-115. doi: 10.1080/00049180500050946

2004

Journal - Research Article

Inkpen, R. J., Twigg, L., & Stephenson, W. J. (2004). The use of multilevel modeling in evaluating controls on erosion rates on inter-tidal shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 57(1-2), 29-39. doi: 10.1016/S0169-555X(03)00081-3

Stephenson, W. J., Taylor, A. J., Hemmingsen, M. A., Tsujimoto, H., & Kirk, R. M. (2004). Short‐term microscale topographic changes of coastal bedrock on shore platforms. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 29(13), 1663-1673. doi: 10.1002/esp.1120

Stephenson, W. J., & Brander, R. W. (2004). Coastal geomorphology. Progress in Physical Geography, 28(4), 569-580. doi: 10.1191/0309133304pp426pr

2003

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., & Brander, R. W. (2003). Coastal geomorphology into the twenty-first century. Progress in Physical Geography, 27(4), 607-623. doi: 10.1191/0309133303pp398pr

2002

Journal - Research Article

Allan, J. C., Stephenson, W. J., Kirk, R. M., & Taylor, A. (2002). Lacustrine shore platforms at Lake Waikaremoana, North Island, New Zealand. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 27(2), 207-220. doi: 10.1002/esp.315

2001

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., & Kirk, R. M. (2001). Surface swelling of coastal bedrock on inter-tidal shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Geomorphology, 41(1), 5-21. doi: 10.1016/S0169-555X(01)00100-3

Stephenson, W. (2001). Shore platform width: A fundamental problem. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, 45(4), 511-527.

2000

Journal - Research Article

Kirk, R. M., Komar, P. D., Allan, J. C., & Stephenson, W. J. (2000). Shoreline erosion on Lake Hawea, New Zealand, caused by high lake levels and storm-wave runup. Journal of Coastal Research, 16(2), 346-356.

Stephenson, W. J., & Kirk, R. M. (2000). Development of shore platforms on Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand II: The role of subaerial weathering. Geomorphology, 32(1-2), 43-56. doi: 10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00062-8

Stephenson, W. J., & Kirk, R. M. (2000). Development of shore platforms on Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand: Part One: The role of waves. Geomorphology, 32(1-2), 21-41. doi: 10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00061-6

Stephenson, W. J. (2000). Shore platforms: A neglected coastal feature? Progress in Physical Geography, 24(3), 311-327.

1999

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W., & Shulmeister, J. (1999). A Holocene progradation record from Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology & Geophysics, 42(1), 11-19. doi: 10.1080/00288306.1999.9514828

1998

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., & Kirk, R. M. (1998). Rates and patterns of erosion on inter‐tidal shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 23(12), 1071-1085. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9837(199812)23:12<1071::AID-ESP922>3.0.CO;2-U

1997

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J. (1997). Improving the traversing micro-erosion meter. Journal of Coastal Research, 13(1), 236-241.

1996

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, W. J., & Kirk, R. M. (1996). Measuring erosion rates using the micro-erosion meter: 20 years of data from shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Marine Geology, 131(3-4), 209-218. doi: 10.1016/0025-3227(96)00008-4