Can the trapping of shoreface sand by mud layers induce coastal erosion? The example of the Paraiba do Sul river outlet, Northern Rio de Janeiro state

Abstract

Husky Duck Ltda. (Estrada Velha da Pavuna, 4522, 20761-171 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil) e-mail: huskyduck@terra.com.br A coastal segment of about 4 km length, located immediately southward from the Paraiba do Sul river mouth, forming the ocean beach of the town of Atafona, in the north of Rio de Janeiro state (Fig. 1), has experienced severe coastal erosion (ARGENTO, 1989). In consequence, tens of houses have been destroyed by the erosion as well as by foredune migration.