Costa da Caparica Artificial Sand Nourishment and Coastal Dynamics

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

F. Veloso Gomes (Author) FEUP; J. Costa (Author) Other; A. Rodrigues (Author) Other; F. Taveira-Pinto (Author) FEUP; J. Pais Barbosa (Author) Other; Luciana das Neves (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Coastal Research

No. SI 39

Pages: 678-682

ISSN: 0749-0208

Publisher: Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Inc.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 13 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Earth and related Environmental sciences

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Hydraulic engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-QWM

Abstract (EN): Since 1870 important physiographic transformations have occurred on Costa da Caparica. Evidence of such transformations is, for instance, coastline retreat - the noticeable sand spit retreat of about 3 km - which caused an irreversible loss of beach width and dunes. To minimize losses and stabilize the coastline some groins and a seawall were constructed. As a result. the coastline has remained more or less stable for almost 30 years (1972-2000), although with a continuous loss of sand. From 2000 on erosion events increased, especially at S. Joao beach, with massive sediment removal from the beach and dunes. Several alternative options to minimize coastline retreat and infrastructure destruction were considered, front which emerged one that basically consisted of reshaping the existent groins and seawall with a 3 million m(3) sand nourishment. In parallel, a monitoring program was to be implemented. To date, the reshaping works are complete and a total of 1.5 million m(3) has been introduced into the systems in two nourishments (0.5 million m(3) and 1 million m(3), accordingly). From the beginning, a comprehensive monitoring program comprised of several hydrographical and topographical surveys has been implemented. This paper presents a discussion on selected interventions and the construction phases, as well as survey results on the sediment budget. Complementary solutions to sustain the nourished sand on the beach are being considered and are presented in-brief.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5