Storm impact on the seasonal shoreline dynamics of a meso- to macrotidal open sandy beach (Biscarrosse, France)
SENECHAL, Nadia
Environnements et Paléoenvironnements OCéaniques [EPOC]
Observatoire aquitain des sciences de l'univers [OASU]
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Environnements et Paléoenvironnements OCéaniques [EPOC]
Observatoire aquitain des sciences de l'univers [OASU]
SENECHAL, Nadia
Environnements et Paléoenvironnements OCéaniques [EPOC]
Observatoire aquitain des sciences de l'univers [OASU]
< Reduce
Environnements et Paléoenvironnements OCéaniques [EPOC]
Observatoire aquitain des sciences de l'univers [OASU]
Language
EN
Article de revue
This item was published in
Geomorphology. 2015-01-01, vol. 228, p. 448-461
English Abstract
A three-year dataset (2007-2010) of shoreline and sandbar positions derived from video observations of an open sandy beach (Biscarrosse, France) is analyzed, to explore the impact of storms on the seasonal shoreline dynamics. ...Read more >
A three-year dataset (2007-2010) of shoreline and sandbar positions derived from video observations of an open sandy beach (Biscarrosse, France) is analyzed, to explore the impact of storms on the seasonal shoreline dynamics. The results indicate that a clear seasonality is observed in the offshore significant wave height and in the occurrence of 'winter storm' events that are defined as periods with significant wave height greater than 4 m lasting at least 12 h. Data indicate that the range of variation of the inner sandbar positions (120 m) is two and a half times larger than the range of variation of the shoreline position. Correlation analyses suggest that the offshore conditions do not conclusively explain the position of the inner bar. Shoreline positions show a clear seasonal pattern, displaying a stable position occurring in February and July, providing evidence of seasonal-recovery although analysis of storm activity indicates that the number and intensity of storms is highly variable over the three years. The Biscarrosse data show that rapid erosion can be observed also under moderate conditions, and that beach recovery after the storm season can be relatively rapid.Read less <