کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
6433033 1635502 2011 11 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
An integrated approach to coastal erosion problems in northern Tuscany (Italy): Littoral morphological evolution and cell distribution
موضوعات مرتبط
مهندسی و علوم پایه علوم زمین و سیارات فرآیندهای سطح زمین
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
An integrated approach to coastal erosion problems in northern Tuscany (Italy): Littoral morphological evolution and cell distribution
چکیده انگلیسی

Occupation of the coast has significantly increased in recent decades, mostly due to a greater demand for recreation and tourism. Today, erosion threatens many human-made structures and activities, requiring an integrated approach for the understanding of coastal dynamics and identification of alternatives to associated problems. This study investigates a 64 km-long coastal physiographic unit in the northern microtidal littoral of Tuscany (Italy). Vertical aerial photographs and direct field surveys were used to retrieve changes in shoreline position over 1938-1997 and 1997-2005 time intervals. Significant beach accretion was observed during the first period updrift of Carrara (84 m) and Viareggio (280 m) harbours and at Marina di Pietrasanta (100 m), whereas severe erosion occurred downcoast of Carrara harbour (− 130 m, at Marina dei Ronchi) and on the northern side of Arno river mouth (− 400 m). Similar trends were observed between 1997 and 2005; beach slope between the 1997 shoreline position and the closure depth correlated well with the distribution of erosion/accretion patterns from the 1938-1997 period (slopes were lower in eroded areas than at sites under accretion). Longshore distribution of erosion/accretion patterns was controlled by coastal compartmentalisation. Three of the main littoral cells were mostly formed by natural limits (i.e., Punta Bianca promontory, Marina di Pietrasanta, the Arno river mouth and the port of Livorno). Several sub-cells were created within these cells due to the introduction of human-made structures (such as Carrara and Viareggio harbours), which formed artificial fixed limits that allowed the transport of sediments (exclusively fines) in one direction only. Results will help improve the understanding of coastal processes and manage littoral sediment transport in a sustainable manner. This will reduce the need for structural interventions, such as breakwaters and groynes, which in the past decades prevented coastal retreat at local scale but shifted erosion downdrift, leading to degradation of the investigated area and requiring continuous maintenance.

Research Highlights► This study investigates a 64 km long coastal physiographic unit in Tuscany (Italy). ► Vertical aerial photographs and direct field surveys were used. ► Shoreline position and closure depth reflected erosion/accretion patterns. ► Longshore distribution of erosion/accretion patterns was controlled by coastal compartmentalisation.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Geomorphology - Volume 129, Issues 3–4, 15 June 2011, Pages 204-214
نویسندگان
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