Sea change: Photographer captures the dramatic contrast along Britain's landscape caused by ebb and flow of coastal tide




In a week when Britain has been battered from all angles by heavy rain and flooding, high water lines have become a regular sight.

But even when our shores are not pounded by heavy flooding, the tidal contrast along Britain's coastlines can be just as dramatic.

Photographer Michael Marten's stunning collection of images highlights the changing shape of our coasts at both high and low tide.

The photos provide a stark juxtaposition, as beaches filled with families and sandy dunes are completely submerged just hours later.

Mr Marten's 'Sea Change' collection aims to 'record the daily rhythm of the flood and ebb tide as it dramatically transforms the landscape.'

Mr Marten began the project in 2003 while exploring the Berwickshire coastline. He has since photographed coastlines around Britain, capturing the exact same viewpoints 6 or 18 hours apart.

The 'Sea Change: A Tidal Journey Around Great Britain' exhibition is on display at the Oxo Tower gallery in London until September 30.



Welcoming: When Mr Marten captured St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, at 1pm in September 2008, the path leading to the building was filled with young families and walkers

But the exact same viewpoint less than five hours later shows how the surrounding landscape near the lighthouse has been completely submerged, with the walkway barely visible at the bottom of the image

Contrast: At Cuckmere Haven in Sussex, Mr Marten's picture taken at 9.15am in August 2006 shows huge swathes of sand and sludge exposed

Submerged: Around five and a half hours later, the exact same vista offers a completely different perspective on the Sussex coastline

Hidden secrets: At Beaumont Quay in Essex, a period of low water at 7.40am reveals a long-sunken boat at the depths of the south east estuary

In the same spot at 2.10pm on August 31 last year, the incoming tide has transformed the quay and once again hidden the wooden remains underwater

Family fun: At Perranporth in Cornwall, Mr Marten captured surfers, families and holidaymakers lapping up the summer sun on the sandy beach in August 2007

Inhospitable: Eight hours later at the same scene, and the high tide has completely changed the complexion of the area, with only the wooden beams of the bridge visible over the water

All-time low: In Staithes, Yorkshire, an image taken just before 10am shows boats marooned in sludge due to the low water

The tide is high: At 4.30pm on the same day in September 2004, the landscape has once again been completely changed, with water levels now approaching the side of the walkway

I do like to be beside the seaside: In Blackpool, Lancashire, the town's famous tower looms over the beach during low tide at 11.20am on August 16 2010

By the time of high water at 4pm in the Lancashire town, all beachgoers have been forced up the steps as the tide creeps in

Low ebb: Mr Marten's picture of Salmon fishery in Solway Firth is one of many aimed at 'recording the daily rhythm of the flood and ebb tide as it dramatically transforms the landscape.'