Abstract
Analysis of a large shoreline database (from 1878 to 2017) and recompilation of information on type/age of shore protection structures along the Northern Tuscany, allowed a deep insight of the progressive armouring of this coastal sector. The area experienced beach erosion since the end of the 19th century due to reduced sediment inputs from rivers and harbour constructions. Shore protection structures started to develop at the beginning of the 20th century, first to protect settlements and coastal roads, later to maintain a beach for tourist activity. The changing of the goal and the increasing awareness of the negative impact of some structures resulted in an evolution of coastal defence projects: initially, seawalls and revetments, later detached breakwaters and, more recently, groins. Today, a reduction in hard structures is perceived by removing or lowering detached breakwaters and groins below mean sea level. The forcing function of the growing tourism industry is producing a demand for projects and their design is detailed in this paper: results will be of use in the correct design of a long-term, general, erosion management plan to restore the natural sediment circulation patterns.
Highlights
Beaches are of outmost importance for coastal tourism economy in several countries [1], for example, USA coastal states receive circa 85% of tourist related revenues [2]
For the present case study, both shoreline position and structure construction time are available from 1878, when the beach was stable or accreting; in addition, along the investigated coast, urban settlements, tourist places, commercial/recreational harbours and natural parks are present, allowing identification as to how shore protection structures are designed to counteract beach erosion, which recently has been coming under increasing pressure from the tourism industry
Coastal armouring is the result of the construction of different structures, some addressed to oppose beach erosion, others to stabilize the entrance of rivers and channels or as part of harbours
Summary
Beaches are of outmost importance for coastal tourism economy in several countries [1], for example, USA coastal states receive circa 85% of tourist related revenues [2]. Nineteenth century coastal development (human settlements, industrial areas, communications) and the emergence of widespread coastal erosion (due to sediment input reduction, coastal structure construction and sea level rise) caused an increase of shore protection structures These extended further where coastal tourism started to be a social fashion as well as an economic business. For the present case study, both shoreline position and structure construction time are available from 1878, when the beach was stable or accreting; in addition, along the investigated coast, urban settlements, tourist places, commercial/recreational harbours and natural parks are present, allowing identification as to how shore protection structures are designed to counteract beach erosion, which recently has been coming under increasing pressure from the tourism industry
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