Fears have been raised that several beaches in south-west England have still not recovered from last year's winter storms.
Researchers from Plymouth University and the city's coastal observatory took samples from 40 regional beaches and found many are still in a vulnerable state.
High winds and stormy conditions earlier this year saw beaches in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset losing a significant amount of sand.
It is thought that millions of tonnes of sand were washed away, with some shorelines being left totally exposed.
Warnings have now been issued that further turbulent weather could leave locations in an unstable state.
Emerald Siggery, a scientist with the observatory, said: 'We were surprised at the losses we've seen at some of the beaches.
She added that there had been 'a lot of losses at Dawlish Warren and Slapton in Devon', but also pointed out 'recovery' in St Ives, Cornwall.
'We need to keep on monitoring the beaches to show how they recover over the longer term.'
