Abstract
This study took place in Playa Chachalacas, located in the central region of the Gulf of Mexico. The goal of this study was to understand the long-term consequences of modifying sediment dynamics through the combined effect of dune stabilization and the construction of breakwaters for shoreline protection. With aerial images from different years, the following items were analyzed: (a) stabilization of the mobile dune; (b) shoreline dynamics and changes at the river mouth, located down-drift from the dunefield; and (c) urbanization along the shoreline. Data show that the cover of grasses and shrubs increased rapidly. In some points, there was intense erosion along the shoreline and accretion in others. The breakwaters promoted accretion but exacerbated erosion down-drift, with notable changes in the inlet. Finally, urbanization has occurred at a fast rate, and mostly parallel to the shoreline. The results indicate that different factors affect sediment dynamics: (a) warm and wet climate promoted vegetation growth and sediment stabilization; (b) the breakwaters solved the erosion problem locally, but generated intense erosion down-drift; and (c) urbanization along the coast resulted in ecosystem loss and increased risks to flooding. Indeed, management and development plans for coastal environments need to consider the dynamic nature of the coastline.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Water Perspectives in Emerging Countries |
Subtitle of host publication | Integrating Ecosystems in Coastal Engineering Practice. Proceedings of the Summer School September 18-30, 2017 – Puerto Morelos, Mexico |
Editors | Rodolfo Silva, Valeria Chavez |
Publisher | Cuvillier Verlag, Germany |
Pages | 114-127 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783736986619 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783736996618 |
Publication status | Published - 18 Sept 2017 |
Event | The Summer School on Integrating Ecosystems in Coastal Engineering Practice: Water Perspectives in Emerging Countries - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Puerto Morelos, Mexico Duration: 18 Sept 2017 → 30 Sept 2017 http://la.exceed-swindon.org/summerwinter-school/ |
Conference
Conference | The Summer School on Integrating Ecosystems in Coastal Engineering Practice |
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Country/Territory | Mexico |
City | Puerto Morelos |
Period | 18/09/17 → 30/09/17 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Breakwaters
- Coastal Dunes
- Mexico
- Mobile Dune Stabilization
- Urbanization