Overview
Background
My research career began when I recognised that the marine world has a history and pattern that can be studied to better explain the past, understand the present, and predict the future. I started studying beaches and coral reefs since they are iconic and complex systems where marine, ecological, geological and human processes interact to produce the ecosystems we see today. My goal, and that of my lab (The BeachLab), is to develop tools, gather data, and provide analyses to help coastlines and coral reefs navigate a warmer world. Our projects are focused on fundamental research questions about how coasts and coral reefs change through time. We also have applied research objectives to support the future management of coastal and coral reef systems.
I am now a teacher and researcher in Geography and Marine Science at the School of the Environment at UQ. Prior to my appointment at UQ, I was a teacher and researcher at The University of Sydney (where I completed my Undergraduate and PhD) and in a combined post at The University of Bremen (MARUM) and the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT). Perhaps equally importantly I grew up on the east coast of Australia and I have a personal and professional passion for beaches, coral reefs, surf, and the ocean.
Availability
- Dr Daniel Harris is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
Research interests
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Morphodynamics
My research broadly fits into the topic of morphodynamics, which examines the mutual interactions between physical processes (i.e. waves, tides, and currents) and morphology of coastal systems (e.g. beaches and coral reefs). More simply I study coastal change and the processes driving such change, and attempt to establish conceptual and numerical models that describe coastal and coral reef change.
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Coral Reefs
The effects of hydrodynamics and sea level changes on coral reef geomorphology and ecology is the primary focus of my research. This includes a wide range of topics such as: sea level change and geological development of coral reefs, surf zone science, and linking hydrodynamic forcing to changes in ecological assemblages. This work is conducted in collaboration with a wide range of reef ecologists, geologists, and coastal scientists. The aim of this work is to build a sophisticated understanding of coral reef change by incorporating methods from multiple disciplines and ultimately improve our knowledge of coral reef evolution on scales relevant to planners and managers.
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Coral reefs and coastal protection
The observed worldwide degradation of reef building corals has led to concerns regarding the provision of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs in the future. Coastal protection is one of the most important services provided by coral reefs and yet is poorly studied. This work attempts to quantify the wave climates and coastal change on tropical coastlines for future scenarios of coral reef health.
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Beach change and surf zone processes
This area focuses on collecting and assessing surf zone wave data in order to test the prevailing models that describe surf zone processes in coral reefs and beaches. There are research projects almost constantly available in this area of study looking at coral reefs and the beaches on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Works
Search Professor Daniel Harris’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Mobilisation thresholds for coral rubble and consequences for windows of reef recovery
Kenyon, Tania M., Harris, Daniel, Baldock, Tom, Callaghan, David, Doropoulos, Christopher, Webb, Gregory, Newman, Steven P. and Mumby, Peter J. (2023). Mobilisation thresholds for coral rubble and consequences for windows of reef recovery. Biogeosciences, 20 (20), 4339-4357. doi: 10.5194/bg-20-4339-2023
2023
Journal Article
Defining multi-scale surface roughness of a coral reef using a high-resolution LiDAR digital elevation model
Harris, Daniel L., Webster, Jody M., Vila-Concejo, Ana, Duce, Stephanie, Leon, Javier X. and Hacker, Jorg (2023). Defining multi-scale surface roughness of a coral reef using a high-resolution LiDAR digital elevation model. Geomorphology, 439 108852, 108852. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2023.108852
2023
Journal Article
Benchmarking satellite-derived shoreline mapping algorithms
Vos, K., Splinter, K. D., Palomar-Vázquez, J., Pardo-Pascual, J. E., Almonacid-Caballer, J., Cabezas-Rabadán, C., Kras, E. C., Luijendijk, A. P., Calkoen, F., Almeida, L. P., Pais, D., Klein, A. H. F., Mao, Y., Harris, D., Castelle, B., Buscombe, D. and Vitousek, S. (2023). Benchmarking satellite-derived shoreline mapping algorithms. Communications Earth and Environment, 4 (1) 345, 1-17. doi: 10.1038/s43247-023-01001-2
2023
Journal Article
Wave-driven sediment transport potential on a tropical coast: Implications for the northeastern Australian sediment budget
Cowley, Dylan and Harris, Daniel L. (2023). Wave-driven sediment transport potential on a tropical coast: Implications for the northeastern Australian sediment budget. Marine Geology, 463 107104, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2023.107104
2023
Conference Publication
Coastal change along Noosa, Australia during a triple back-to-back La Nina (2020-2023)
Leon, J. X., Harris, D., Wettle, M. and Barmand, S. (2023). Coastal change along Noosa, Australia during a triple back-to-back La Nina (2020-2023). Engineers Australia.
2023
Conference Publication
Tropical wave transformation through the Great Barrier Reef: Cairns, Australia
Cowley, Dylan and Harris, Daniel L. (2023). Tropical wave transformation through the Great Barrier Reef: Cairns, Australia. Australasian Coasts & Ports 2023, Twin Waters, QLD, Australia, 15-18 August 2023. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Engineers Australia.
2022
Journal Article
Coral rubble dynamics in the Anthropocene and implications for reef recovery
Kenyon, Tania M., Doropoulos, Christopher, Wolfe, Kennedy, Webb, Gregory E., Dove, Sophie, Harris, Daniel and Mumby, Peter J. (2022). Coral rubble dynamics in the Anthropocene and implications for reef recovery. Limnology and Oceanography, 68 (1), 110-147. doi: 10.1002/lno.12254
2022
Journal Article
Antecedent topography and active tectonic controls on Holocene reef geomorphology in the Great Barrier Reef
Sansoleimani, Atefeh, Webb, Gregory E., Harris, Daniel L., Phinn, Stuart R. and Roelfsema, Chris M. (2022). Antecedent topography and active tectonic controls on Holocene reef geomorphology in the Great Barrier Reef. Geomorphology, 413 108354, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108354
2022
Journal Article
Global coastal geomorphology – integrating earth observation and geospatial data
Mao, Yongjing, Harris, Daniel L., Xie, Zunyi and Phinn, Stuart (2022). Global coastal geomorphology – integrating earth observation and geospatial data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 278 113082, 113082. doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2022.113082
2022
Other Outputs
Queensland Coastal Data
Cowley, Dylan and Harris, Daniel (2022). Queensland Coastal Data. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/237b89a
2022
Other Outputs
Why some beaches, including in Queensland, are getting bigger despite rising sea levels
Harris, Daniel, Cowley, Dylan and Mao, Yongjing (2022, 05 02). Why some beaches, including in Queensland, are getting bigger despite rising sea levels The Conversation
2022
Journal Article
Beach narrowing on prograding coasts: examples from the tropics to subtropics of eastern Australia
Cowley, D., Harris, D. L., Moss, P. T. and Shulmeister, J. (2022). Beach narrowing on prograding coasts: examples from the tropics to subtropics of eastern Australia. Geomorphology, 401 108110, 108110. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108110
2022
Other Outputs
Global coastal geomorphology dataset based on machine learning methods
Mao, Yongjing, Harris, Daniel and Phinn, Stuart (2022). Global coastal geomorphology dataset based on machine learning methods. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/f60606a
2021
Journal Article
Efficient measurement of large-scale decadal shoreline change with increased accuracy in tide-dominated coastal environments with Google Earth Engine
Mao, Yongjing, Harris, Daniel L., Xie, Zunyi and Phinn, Stuart (2021). Efficient measurement of large-scale decadal shoreline change with increased accuracy in tide-dominated coastal environments with Google Earth Engine. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 181, 385-399. doi: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2021.09.021
2021
Book Chapter
Predicting responses of geo-ecological carbonate reef systems to climate change: a conceptual model and review
Browne, Nicola K., Cuttler, Michael, Moon, Katie, Morgan, Kyle, Ross, Claire L., Castro-Sanguino, Carolina, Kennedy, Emma, Harris, Dan, Barnes, Peter, Bauman, Andrew, Beetham, Eddie, Bonesso, Joshua, Bozec, Yves-Marie, Cornwall, Christopher, Dee, Shannon, DeCarlo, Thomas, D’Olivo, Juan P., Doropoulos, Christopher, Evans, Richard D., Eyre, Bradley, Gatenby, Peter, Gonzalez, Manuel, Hamylton, Sarah, Hansen, Jeff, Lowe, Ryan, Mallela, Jennie, O’Leary, Michael, Roff, George, Saunders, Benjamin J. and Zweilfer, Adi (2021). Predicting responses of geo-ecological carbonate reef systems to climate change: a conceptual model and review. Oceanography and marine biology: an annual review. (pp. 229-370) edited by S. J. Hawkins, A. J. Lemasson, A. L. Allcock, A. E. Bates, M. Byrne, A. J. Evans, L. B. Firth, E. M. Marzinelli, B. D. Russell, I. P. Smith, S. E. Swearer and P. A. Todd. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781003138846-4
2021
Journal Article
Commercial hostages in international business disputes
Carr, Chris and Harris, Dan (2021). Commercial hostages in international business disputes. Thunderbird International Business Review, 63 (4), 523-542. doi: 10.1002/tie.22199
2021
Journal Article
Determining the shoreline retreat rate of Australia using Discrete and Hybrid Bayesian networks
Mao, Yongjing, Harris, Daniel L., Callaghan, David P. and Phinn, Stuart (2021). Determining the shoreline retreat rate of Australia using Discrete and Hybrid Bayesian networks. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 126 (6) e2021JF006112. doi: 10.1029/2021jf006112
2021
Journal Article
Morphodynamic controls for growth and evolution of a rubble coral island
Talavera, Lara, Vila-Concejo, Ana, Webster, Jody M., Smith, Courtney, Duce, Stephanie, Fellowes, Thomas E., Salles, Tristan, Harris, Daniel, Hill, Jon, Figueira, Will and Hacker, Jörg (2021). Morphodynamic controls for growth and evolution of a rubble coral island. Remote Sensing, 13 (8) 1582, 1-23. doi: 10.3390/rs13081582
2021
Journal Article
Specific niche requirements underpin multidecadal range edge stability, but may introduce barriers for climate change adaptation
Firth, Louise B., Harris, Daniel, Blaze, Julie A., Marzloff, Martin P., Boyé, Aurélien, Miller, Peter I., Curd, Amelia, Vasquez, Mickaël, Nunn, Julia D., O’Connor, Nessa E., Power, Anne Marie, Mieszkowska, Nova, O’Riordan, Ruth M., Burrows, Michael T., Bricheno, Lucy M., Knights, Antony M., Nunes, Flavia L. D., Bordeyne, François, Bush, Laura E., Byers, James E., David, Carmen, Davies, Andrew J., Dubois, Stanislas F., Edwards, Hugh, Foggo, Andy, Grant, Lisa, Green, J. A. Mattias, Gribben, Paul E., Lima, Fernando P. ... Hawkins, Stephen J. (2021). Specific niche requirements underpin multidecadal range edge stability, but may introduce barriers for climate change adaptation. Diversity and Distributions, 27 (4), 668-683. doi: 10.1111/ddi.13224
2021
Journal Article
Examining the impact of the Great Barrier Reef on tsunami propagation using numerical simulations
Thran, Mandi C., Brune, Sascha, Webster, Jody M., Dominey-Howes, Dale and Harris, Daniel (2021). Examining the impact of the Great Barrier Reef on tsunami propagation using numerical simulations. Natural Hazards, 108 (1), 347-388. doi: 10.1007/s11069-021-04686-w
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Daniel Harris is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Surf zone processes in coral reefs and beaches
There are projects available at the Honours or Masters level in examining surf zone processes on coral reef flats in the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific. Ideally, the student would have some understanding of GIS and MATLAB as this work will in general be based in developing a numerical understanding of coral reef surf zones. However, if you are comupter savvy and enthusiastic you are welcome to discuss projects. There are currently no specific plans for field work in this area but there are always plans for addtional data collection. Potential PhD students are also wlelcome to come and discuss projects if interested in this area.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Identification of coral deposition, accretion, and erosional zones from detailed benthic and substrate mapping using hyperspectral image data
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stuart Phinn, Professor Gregory Webb, Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema
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Doctor Philosophy
Dynamics of coral rubble in natural settings
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tom Baldock
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Doctor Philosophy
Coral Reef Hydrodynamics and Coral Rubble Dynamics--Project 2 (RS-003a)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tom Baldock, Associate Professor David Callaghan
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Doctor Philosophy
Advanced dating techniques for establishing the history of the Great Barrier Reef
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jianxin Zhao, Professor Gregory Webb
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Doctor Philosophy
Sustaining life on Pacific atoll islands in the face of accelerating coastal change: insights from three-dimensional change detection analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema, Professor Stuart Phinn
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Doctor Philosophy
Creating a carbonate budget for the Great Barrier Reef
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Mumby
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Doctor Philosophy
Hydrodynamics forces and mobility of coral rubble
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor David Callaghan, Professor Tom Baldock
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Doctor Philosophy
The ecology and restoration of coral rubble
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Mumby
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Coastal change in an uncertain future: historic geomorphic change in tropical northeastern Australia and implications for the next century
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Predicting long-term shoreline response to sea-level rise on continental and global scales with data-driven models
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stuart Phinn
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
From Rubble to Reef: The physical and biological dynamics of coral reef rubble beds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gregory Webb, Professor Peter Mumby
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the impacts of flood/drought disasters and their management on catchment socio-ecological system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei
Media
Enquiries
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