Vulnerability assessment of Massaguaçú Beach (SE Brazil)

With the aim of summarizing several coastal indicators in one index, this paper proposes a vulnerability index to coastal erosion. This index synthesizes coastal and inland indicators quantitatively, becoming a useful tool for coastal planning and better management of coastal resources. The index is composed of coastal variables: beach morphology, shoreline position, dune field configuration, wave exposure and presence of rivers and/or inlets; and inland variables: terrain elevation, vegetation, coastal engineering structures, occupation percentile and soil permeability. In order to validate the proposed method, it was applied to Massaguaçú Beach (SP) in the Southeast of Brazil. According to its characteristics, the beach was divided into three sectors from south to north. Sectors 1 and 3 are classified as being of moderate vulnerability, both with index 5, while sector 2 is classified as high vulnerability, with index 7.5.

► We propose an index to assess coastal vulnerability to erosive processes based on coastal and urban indicators.
► The beach assessed presented moderate and high vulnerability due to the type of occupation.
► The method provides relevant background information that can guide further studies and interventions at different scales.