Abstract
Abstract. The erosion of sandy beaches can have a profound impact on human activities and ecosystems, especially on developed coasts. The scientific community has, to date, primarily focused on the potential impact of changes in sea level and waves on sandy beaches. While being abundantly recognized at local to regional scales in numerous studies over the last two decades, the contribution of diminishing fluvial sediment supply to sandy beach erosion at the global scale is still to be investigated. Here, we present a model of sediment budget computed from the balance between land riverine input and coastal transport. It results in a global picture of sand pathway from land to sea. Our analysis demonstrates the massive impact of the thousands of river dams on beach erosion worldwide. Sand can be mobilized with wave-induced longshore transport over large distances, in general toward the equator, within sediment cells, often at distance from the outlets.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
