The Important Role of Gravel and Rocky Beach as A Natural Stable Form of Shore Defense in Southern Garut, West Java

Abstract

Tectonic processes and high energy waves, tidal phases, generally formed the coasts of southern Java. The grain size of the beach is generally gravel, and large stones. Some pristine beaches consist of pebbly, rocky, sandy beaches or a mixture of sand, gravel, and rocks / boulders. Steep gravel beaches are always associated with coastal erosion. On the other hand, a beach with pebbles and boulders can be a stable natural defense. This location is a preservation of various fossil markers of sea level change and also as a habitat for marine life. A study on geomorphology and sediment types was carried out around the coast of Pameungpeuk, South West Java in May 2016. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the importance of gravel beaches as natural protection in maintaining stability of coastal habitats and as a barrier from high waves. On the other hand, sandy beaches are highly susceptible to erosion. Exposure to gravel and boulders in front of the beach can act as a barrier to erosion from the beating of waves. Pameumpeuk beach and its surroundings are also a habitat for lobsters because many rock structures are found with holes and their position behind the rock barrier as natural protection.