Laura Del Río

Universidad de Cádiz

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Eco-Geomorphological mapping of the Camposoto Barrier System in Cadiz Bay, S Spain

Irene Delgado‐Fernández Pilar Martín-Gallego Cristina Montes Javier Benavente Laura Del Río

Barrier systems are complex environments made up of various coastal sub-units that often include (from sea to land) the shoreface and beach, coastal dunes, and marshes. Barriers are shaped by diverse forces with sub-units reflecting the degree of wind and wave energy they are exposed to, sediment composition, and tidal regime among other aspects. This study delves into the eco-geomorphological complexities of the Camposoto barrier system in the Cadiz Bay area, S Spain. Employing satellite remote sensing, UAV multispectral sensors, and fieldwork, different eco-geomorphological units have emerged that challenge conventional delineations between sub-units and relative location to the shore. The Camposoto barrier system shows a general retreating trend, with erosion rates between 1 and 2 m yr-1, mostly linked to storm events and a lack of sediment supply. The system is intersected by multiple washover fans and is characterised by large differences in sediment sizes and composition, a bi-modal wind regime, and complex dune topography. Marsh vegetation can be found atop dunes, while coarse beach sediments infiltrate deep into the barrier. This gives rise to a mosaic of barrier environments and a complex interplay between barrier sub-units. This study's preliminary outcomes show the capabilities of remote sensing tools for coastal mapping and for refining our understanding of barrier environments and evolution.

10.5194/egusphere-egu24-12478

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Morphodynamics and management challenges for beaches in modified estuaries and bays

Cambridge Prisms Coastal Futures (2024)

Ana Vila‐Concejo Thomas Fellowes Shari L. Gallop I. Alejo Donatus Bapentire Angnuureng

Abstract There is a relative lack of research, targeted models and tools to manage beaches in estuaries and bays (BEBs). Many estuaries and bays have been highly modified and urbanised, for example port developments and coastal revetments. This paper outlines the complications and opportunities for conserving and managing BEBs in modified estuaries. To do this, we focus on eight diverse case studies from North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia combined with the broader global literature. Our key findings are as follows: (1) BEBs are diverse and exist under a great variety of tide and wave conditions that differentiate them from open-coast beaches; (2) BEBs often lack statutory protection and many have already been sacrificed to development; (3) BEBs lack specific management tools and are often managed using tools developed for open-coast beaches; and (4) BEBs have the potential to become important in “nature-based” management solutions. We set the future research agenda for BEBs, which should include broadening research to include greater diversity of BEBs than in the past, standardising monitoring techniques, including the development of global databases using citizen science and developing specific management tools for BEBs. We must recognise BEBs as unique coastal features and develop the required fundamental knowledge and tools to effectively manage them, so they can continue providing their unique ecosystem services.

Beach morphodynamics

10.1017/cft.2024.7

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Citations (2)

Establishing storm thresholds for the Spanish Gulf of Cádiz coast

Geomorphology (2011)

Laura Del Río Theocharis A. Plomaritis Javier Benavente María Valladares Pedro Ribera

Berm

Wave height

Significant wave height

Storm Surge

Tidal range

10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.04.048

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Citations (83)

Coastal storm risks assessment in Europe: Examples from 9 study sites

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) (2009)

Óscar Ferreira Paolo Ciavola Clara Armaroli Yann Balouin Javier Benavente

Storm Surge

Source

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Citations (0)

Coastal flooding hazard related to storms and coastal evolution in Valdelagrana spit (Cadiz Bay Natural Park, SW Spain)

Continental Shelf Research (2006)

Javier Benavente Laura Del Río Francisco Javier Gracia Prieto José Ángel Martínez-del-Pozo

Coastal flood

Storm Surge

Coastal hazards

Natural hazard

Elevation (ballistics)

Significant wave height

Overwash

Wave height

Coastal erosion

10.1016/j.csr.2005.12.015

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Citations (120)

Application of Structure-from-Motion Terrestrial Photogrammetry to the Assessment of Coastal Cliff Erosion Processes in SW Spain

Journal of Coastal Research (2020)

Laura Del Río Daniel Posanski Francisco Javier Gracia Prieto Antonio Pérez-Romero

Del Río, L.; Posanski, D.; Gracia, F.J. and Pérez-Romero, A.M., 2020. Application of structure-from-motion terrestrial photogrammetry to the assessment of coastal cliff erosion processes in SW Spain. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 1057–1061. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The episodic and irregular nature of cliff changes makes their assessment a challenging task, essential in order to cope with risks related to cliff erosion. In this work, structure-from-motion terrestrial photogrammetry was used to measure erosion processes in the Torre Bermeja cliff in SW Spain, where cliff instability poses a threat to people walking along the fronting beach. Two sites were investigated on 14 photogrammetric surveys conducted along a 9-month period in order to detect morphological changes in relation to external forces. The erosive events at both sites showed a strong episodic character, with some short periods reflecting intensive erosion and long periods of stability. Average figures for the observation period indicate a mean retreat of 2.8 mm/day at one of the sites and 0.5 mm/day at the other site. The differences were attributed to variations in the lithology and a higher wave exposure of the first site, due to a smaller fronting beach. A comparison of erosion and meteorological data of the survey period showed a positive correlation between mean retreat and maximum rainfall intensity. However, the storms with highest wave heights did not significantly affect the cliff foot, as most wave-related erosion occurred when a modal storm coincided with a high spring tidal range. Therefore, rainfall can be considered as the trigger for most of the erosion events at the study site, although the unstable conditions required for large-scale collapses are generated by wave attack in the first place. In this respect, it is assumed that climate change will lead to higher retreat rates in the investigated cliff, due to a rising mean sea level and a higher frequency of heavy rainfall events.

Cliff

Coastal erosion

10.2112/si95-206.1

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Citations (2)

Coastal Storm Risk Assessment in Europe: Examples from 9 study sites

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) (2009)

Óscar Ferreira Paolo Ciavola Clara Armaroli Yann Balouin Javier Benavente

Source

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Citations (18)

Shipwrecks and man-made coastal structures as indicators of historical shoreline position. An interdisciplinary study in the Sancti Petri sand spit (Bay of Cádiz, SW Spain)

Marine Geology (2017)

Tomás Fernández-Montblanc Laura Del Río Alfredo Izquierdo Francisco Javier Gracia Prieto M. Bethencourt

Aerial photography

10.1016/j.margeo.2017.10.005

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Citations (9)

Morphological and evolutionary classification of sandy beaches in Cadiz coast (SW Spain)

Journal of Coastal Research (2013)

Laura Del Río Francisco Javier Gracia Prieto Javier Benavente

Del Río, L., Gracia, F.J. and Benavente, J., 2013. Morphological and evolutionary classification of sandy beaches in Cadiz coast (SW Spain).Sandy beaches are extremely dynamic systems, so gaining insight about decadal patterns of beach change is essential for the adequate management of risks affecting coastal zones. This work aims at improving understanding of the factors that control erosion-accretion processes and evolution of sandy beaches at the intermediate time scale. For this purpose, recent evolution of beaches along the 150 km long Atlantic coast of Cadiz (SW Spain) is investigated in relation to their morphology and dynamics. Dune toe and high water line changes are assessed based on georectified aerial photographs from 1956–2008, using GIS tools. Results show considerable spatial and temporal variability of recent shoreline changes along the study area, with mostly eroding trends along the northern sector and a predominantly stable southern sector. Important exceptions at certain points are related to the heterogeneity of the coast and the diverse natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to shoreline change in the area. A classification of the studied beaches is proposed, based on beach morphology and dynamics, thus helping to understand the way coastal morphological characteristics influence erosion-accretion trends. Rectilinear beaches are predominantly stable or accreting, whereas reef-supported beaches are mostly erosive. Z-bays generally experience erosion at one end and accretion at the opposite end, greatly influenced by local conditions. Enclosed beaches are stable where sediment budget remains unchanged, but rapidly erode or accrete if human interventions alter the balance. The classification allows identifying those beaches which are most sensitive to variations in controlling factors, such as sediment supply.

Coastal erosion

Progradation

Plage

Sedimentary budget

Beach nourishment

10.2112/si65-357.1

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Citations (9)

Variability in storm climate along the Gulf of Cadiz: the role of large scale atmospheric forcing and implications to coastal hazards

Climate Dynamics (2015)

Theocharis A. Plomaritis Javier Benavente Irene Laiz Laura Del Río

Storm Surge