Factors influencing the retreat of the coastline

Abstract

One of the main problems of coastlines around the world is their erosion. There are many studies that have tried to link coastal erosion with different parameters such as: maritime climate, sediment transport, sea level rise etc. However, it is unclear to what extent these factors influence coastal erosion. For example, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted an increase in sea level at a much faster rate than that experienced in the first part of this century, reaching 1 m of elevation in some areas. Another factor to consider is the lack of sediment supply, since currently the contribution of new sediments from rivers or ravines is interrupted by anthropic activities carried out in their basins (dams, channelling, etc.). The big storms, increasingly frequent due to climate change, also should be considered, since they produce an offshore sediments transport, so that these cross the depth of closure, causing nonreturn of the sediment to the beach. Also, the sediment undergoes a process of wear due to various reasons such as the dissolution of the carbonate fraction and/or breakage and separation of the components of the particles. All these elements, to a greater or lesser extent, lead to the retreat of the coastline. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse the different factors causing the retreat of the coastline, in order to determine the degree of involvement of each of them and, therefore, be able to pose different proposals to reduce the consequences of coastal erosion.

Consequences of Anthropic Actions in Cullera Bay (Spain)

“…Among all the natural environments, the coasts are the ones that most frequently present modifications in their form and disposition due to the action of several factors both natural and human [38]. The beach changes naturally in the long term due to varying conditions of wind, sea and coastal dynamics or the contribution of sediments [39]. However, short-term human alterationsactions which have become stronger in the last century-must also be considered [40,41].…”

Methodology for the remote transfer of GPS receiver station data through a GSM network

“…Coastline changes occur as the result of natural and anthropogenic processes and activities [ 1 ]. Natural conditions include waves, wind, currents, erosion, and accretion, while human activities involve changes in land use, regulatory structures over rivers, and coastal protection structures [ 2 ].…”

Experiences with beach nourishments on the coast of Alicante, Spain

“…Coastal erosion is a worldwide problem. This issue is the result of multiple factors, such as the lack of sediment supply, climate change or anthropic actions that change the littoral morphodynamic [16]. Over the last few decades, there has been a gradual shift in coastal defence techniques, tending in recent years to soft actions such as the nourishment of sandy beaches as an erosion mitigation mechanism [7].…”