EROS - Erosion of Rocky Shores – differences in protection promoted by sandy beaches and shore platforms

Abstract: Sustainability is a key point on environmental management with particular emphasis to coastal zones where ca. 50% of the global human population lives. Sustainability of coastal zones is only possible if supported by the solid understanding of coastal morphodynamic processes.

The present proposal falls into the aim of morphodynamic of rocky coasts and intends to be a helpful tool for coastal environments assessment, particularly in what concern to erosion. Coastal cliffs in the Algarve rocky shore are under dramatic recession and, retreat rates seems to be controlled mostly by structures developed in the cliffs’ foot than by waves energy level. This research project intends to quantify the relative role of sandy beaches and shore platforms on the rocky cliffs protection against waves assailing through a pluridisciplinary approach. Main objectives are:

(i) - Quantify and compare the efficacy of shore platforms and sandy beaches on the cliffs’ protection by dissipating waves’ energy;

(ii) - Integrate real, numerical and physical modelling data in order to quantify the coastal sectors vulnerability concerning to cliffs’ retreat rate, according its foot structures (shore platform and sandy beach).