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

ABSTRACT Del Rio, 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 poin...