Dune Vulnerability Research Articles

Quantifying the influence of profile variability on dune impacts during Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy was undoubtedly one of the most impactful storms of the past half century, resulting in $74 billion of damage and destroying thousands of homes. Yet not all communities suffered the same. In New Jersey, impacts exhibited mesoscale trends with northern portions of the state generally suffering greater damage than the southern portions. Mantoloking experienced widespread major damage; however, less than 5 km away, Point Pleasant escaped with significantly less damage. The disparate outcomes are associated with vastly different berm widths and dune volumes, with Point Pleasant protected by wider, more resilient beaches. Here, a recently developed dune vulnerability model is used to quantify differences in vulnerability resulting from spatial variations in storm intensity and pre-storm morphology for beaches along the New Jersey coastline. Spatial analysis of pre-Sandy beach conditions exhibits trends in vulnerability, which align with observed impacts. The vulnerability analysis accounts for gradients in storm intensity, dune volume, and berm width. Comparison of different outcomes while isolating for a single variable (e.g. intensity, volume or width) suggests the vulnerability model is robust and can quantify temporal vulnerability due to changes in beach state. For example, the results suggest Point Pleasant Beach would have been four times as likely to suffer major impacts had Sandy occurred with beach conditions observed in 1995.

The relative influence of dune aspect ratio and beach width on dune erosion as a function of storm duration and surge level

Abstract. Dune height is an important predictor of impact during a storm event given that taller dunes have a lower likelihood of being overtopped than shorter dunes. However, the temporal dominance of the wave collision regime, wherein volume loss (erosion) from the dune occurs through dune retreat without overtopping, suggests that dune width must also be considered when evaluating the vulnerability of dunes to erosion. We use XBeach, a numerical model that simulates hydrodynamic processes, sediment transport, and morphologic change, to analyze storm-induced dune erosion as a function of dune aspect ratio (i.e., dune height versus dune width) for storms of varying intensity and duration. We find that low aspect ratio (low and wide) dunes lose less volume than high aspect ratio (tall and narrow) dunes during longer and more intense storms when the beach width is controlled for. In managed dune scenarios, where sand fences are used to construct a “fenced” dune seaward of the existing “natural” dune, we find that fenced dunes effectively prevent the natural dune behind them from experiencing any volume loss until the fenced dune is sufficiently eroded, reducing the magnitude of erosion of the natural dune by up to 50 %. We then control for dune morphology to assess volume loss as a function of beach width and confirm that beach width exerts a significant influence on dune erosion; a wide beach offers the greatest protection from erosion in all circumstances while the width of the dune determines how long the dune will last under persistent scarping. These findings suggest that efforts to maintain a wide beach may be effective at protecting coastal communities from dune loss. However, a trade-off may exist in maintaining wide beaches and dunes in that the protection offered in the short-term must be considered in concert with potentially long-term detrimental effects of limiting overwash, a process which is critical to maintaining island elevation as sea level rises.

Historic and contemporary dune inventories to assess dune vulnerability to climate change impacts

The overall status of dune health in Ireland is assessed as ‘inadequate’ and declining due to the on-going losses and pressures which signify the urgent need for integrated, problem- and community-focussed coastal management plans. Historically, Ireland has only being monitoring the health of our coastal dunes very intermittently. This research reviews published coastal dune inventories in Ireland (Kinahan and McHenry, 1882; Young, 1977; Curtis, 1991; Quigley, 1991; Ryle et al., 2009; Delaney et al., 2013) and uses one of the most current inventories (Coastal Monitoring Project 2004-2006 in Ryle et al., 2009) to map the current distribution of dunes in thirteen coastal counties in the Republic of Ireland and assess the vulnerability of these dune ecosystems to projected changes in storminess. The CMP Report data was downloaded into a GIS and a filter query was applied to identify the dune area extent in each county and isolate the three major dune categories (Fixed, Embryonic and Mobile) which are critical for beach-dune sediment budgets via sediment exchange processes. The polygon features for each dune category (a total of 179) were designated a shoreline orientation based on the cardinal and ordinal wind directions. Counties Donegal (36%), Mayo (24%) and Kerry (14%) contain 74% of the total dune area in Ireland (c.76sq. km). Fixed dunes comprise 93% of the total dune area of interest in this study; mobile (5%) and embryonic (2%) dunes have a much smaller areal extent. The severity of the impacts from storms depends not only on the character (size, duration, direction) of the extremes but also on the exposure and vulnerability of coastal ecosystems and communities to these extremes.

Historic and contemporary dune inventories to assess dune vulnerability to climate change impacts

The overall status of dune health in Ireland is assessed as ‘inadequate’ and declining due to the on-going losses and pressures which signify the urgent need for integrated, problem- and community-focussed coastal management plans. Historically, Ireland has only being monitoring the health of our coastal dunes very intermittently. This research reviews published coastal dune inventories in Ireland (Kinahan and McHenry, 1882; Young, 1977; Curtis, 1991; Quigley, 1991; Ryle et al., 2009; Delaney et al., 2013) and uses one of the most current inventories (Coastal Monitoring Project 2004-2006 in Ryle et al., 2009) to map the current distribution of dunes in thirteen coastal counties in the Republic of Ireland and assess the vulnerability of these dune ecosystems to projected changes in storminess. The CMP Report data was downloaded into a GIS and a filter query was applied to identify the dune area extent in each county and isolate the three major dune categories (Fixed, Embryonic and Mobile) which are critical for beach-dune sediment budgets via sediment exchange processes. The polygon features for each dune category (a total of 179) were designated a shoreline orientation based on the cardinal and ordinal wind directions. Counties Donegal (36%), Mayo (24%) and Kerry (14%) contain 74% of the total dune area in Ireland (c.76sq. km). Fixed dunes comprise 93% of the total dune area of interest in this study; mobile (5%) and embryonic (2%) dunes have a much smaller areal extent. The severity of the impacts from storms depends not only on the character (size, duration, direction) of the extremes but also on the exposure and vulnerability of coastal ecosystems and communities to these extremes.

Post-Hurricane Michael damage assessment using ADCIRC storm surge hindcast, image classification, and LiDAR

Wave forcing from hurricanes, nor’easters, and energetic storms can cause erosion of the berm and beach face resulting in increased vulnerability of dunes and coastal infrastructure. LIDAR or other surveying techniques have quantified post-event morphology, but there is a lack of in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events. Two field studies were conducted in March 2018 and April 2019 at Bethany Beach, Delaware, where in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements were made during a nor’easter (Nor’easter Riley) and an energetic storm (Easter Eve Storm). An array of sensors to measure water velocity, water depth, water elevation and bed elevation were mounted to scaffold pipes and deployed in a single cross-shore transect. Water velocity was measured using an electro-magnetic current meter while water and bed elevations were measured using an acoustic distance meter along with an algorithm to differentiate between the water and bed during swash processes. GPS profiles of the beach face were measured during every day-time low tide throughout the storm events. Both accretion and erosion were measured at different cross-shore positions and at different times during the storm events. Morphodynamic change along the back-beach was found to be related to berm erosion, suggesting an important morphologic feedback mechanism. Accumulated wave energy and wave energy flux per unit area between Nor’easter Riley and a recent mid-Atlantic hurricane (Hurricane Dorian) were calculated and compared. Coastal Observations: JALBTCX/NCMP emergency-response airborne Lidar coastal mapping & quick response data products for 2016/2017/2018 hurricane impact assessments

In situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events

Wave forcing from hurricanes, nor’easters, and energetic storms can cause erosion of the berm and beach face resulting in increased vulnerability of dunes and coastal infrastructure. LIDAR or other surveying techniques have quantified post-event morphology, but there is a lack of in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events. Two field studies were conducted in March 2018 and April 2019 at Bethany Beach, Delaware, where in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements were made during a nor’easter (Nor’easter Riley) and an energetic storm (Easter Eve Storm). An array of sensors to measure water velocity, water depth, water elevation and bed elevation were mounted to scaffold pipes and deployed in a single cross-shore transect. Water velocity was measured using an electro-magnetic current meter while water and bed elevations were measured using an acoustic distance meter along with an algorithm to differentiate between the water and bed during swash processes. GPS profiles of the beach face were measured during every day-time low tide throughout the storm events. Both accretion and erosion were measured at different cross-shore positions and at different times during the storm events. Morphodynamic change along the back-beach was found to be related to berm erosion, suggesting an important morphologic feedback mechanism. Accumulated wave energy and wave energy flux per unit area between Nor’easter Riley and a recent mid-Atlantic hurricane (Hurricane Dorian) were calculated and compared.

Implementing a coastal dune vulnerability index (CDVI) to support coastal management in different settings (Brazil and Italy)

In this paper, the vulnerability of two dune fields located in southern Brazil (São Francisco do Sul Island) and western Italy (Tuscany) has been defined through the implementation of a Coastal Dune Vulnerability Index (CDVI). As the sites belonged to settings characterized by huge differences in terms of physical processes (Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea), the index has been adapted accordingly to minimize the influence of the dissimilarities in an attempt to define potential vulnerability parameters they might have in common. Five main groups of factors were taken into account in the design of the index: Geomorphological Condition of the Dune system (GCD), Marine Influence (MI), Aeolian Effect (AE), Vegetation Condition (VC), and Human Effect (HE) for a total of 51 variables. A total vulnerability index was calculated for each site. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling identified two main groups characterized by medium values of vulnerability (0.32–0.49): as a result, the vulnerability of both sites can be defined as “medium”. In more detail, GCD turned out to be the most influent factor on both settings; subordinately, marine influence also resulted relevant on the Oceanic site. The CDVI proved to be a flexible tool, as it was easily adjusted to work on such different sites. In this sense it will be of great support to increase the awareness of coastal managers and decision makers about the mutual interactions of many factors and processes that contribute to the evolution of coastal dunes regardless of the geographical setting.

Assessing Beach and Dune Erosion and Vulnerability Under Sea Level Rise: A Case Study in the Mediterranean Sea

In this study, we estimate the shoreline retreat, the vulnerability and the erosion rates of an open beach-dune system under projected sea level rise and the action of wind-waves (separately and in combination). The methodology is based on the combination of two state-of-the-art numerical models (XBeach and Q2D-morfo) applied in a probabilistic framework and it is implemented in an open sandy beach in Menorca Island (Western Mediterranean). We compute the shoreline response to sea level rise during the 21st century and we assess the changing impacts of storm waves on the aerial beach-dune system. Results demonstrate the relevant role that the beach backshore features, such as the berm, play as coastal defence, reducing the shoreline retreat and dune vulnerability rates in the near-term (a few decades ahead) and highlighting the importance of simulating the beach morphodynamic processes in coastal impacts assessments. Our findings point at sea level rise as the major driver of the projected impacts over the beach-dune system, leading to an increase of ~25% of the volume eroded due to storm waves by the end of the century with respect to present-day conditions.

Assessing the geomorphological vulnerability of arid beach-dune systems

In this study, an arid dune vulnerability index (ADVI) is developed using a system of indicators to evaluate the geomorphological vulnerability of beach-dune systems of arid regions. The indicators are comprised of three analytical dimensions (susceptibility, exposure and resilience) and their corresponding sub-indices and variables and were assessed for eleven sites located in four aeolian sedimentary systems of the Canary archipelago (Spain). The selected sites have varying geomorphological characteristics, vegetation types, marine and wind conditions and human pressure degrees, and have seen different trends in their geomorphological evolution since 1960. The eleven sites were separated into three groups according to their different conservation status and different management needs, and the results of the ADVI dimensions and variables were compared and analyzed for these three groups. In general, the results obtained in the analyzed sites reveal that susceptibility and exposure dimensions are related to low-moderate values, while resilience was high. Only one site presented a state of critical vulnerability, due to the loss of its capacity to maintain its geomorphological function in recent decades. Given the lack of knowledge about geomorphological vulnerability processes in foredunes of arid regions, ADVI is the first approximation to geomorphological diagnostic in these environments and can be useful for managers.

Beach vulnerability assessment of a protected area of the Northern Campania coast (Southern Italy)

A detailed and multidisciplinary study of physical and biotic factors of a coastal sector of southern Italy, the Pineta della foce del Garigliano SCI (Site of Community Importance) area, has been carried out in the frame of the European research project LIFE + Nature & Biodiversity PROVIDUNE. We evaluated the degree of dunes vulnerability (Dune Vulnerability Index, DVI) and sustainable anthropogenic load (carrying capacity) of the emerged beach of the study area, which is largely affected by shoreline retreat and degradation of dune habitat. The values of about 0.6 of the DVI in the two key sectors of the study area suggest a high level of vulnerability of beach/dune system due to both natural and human factors. The partial vulnerability index related to the geomorphological condition exhibits the highest values, as a consequence of a coastal system largely affected by recent and present-day beach erosion and severe hydrodynamics processes. Several inadequate human practises have been recognized in the study area whose impact appears to be an important factor in controlling the reduction of the beach-dune system resilience. Integrated analysis of DVI and carrying capacity suggests that the northern and central sectors of the study area have a high level of dune vulnerability due to hydrodynamic and geomorphological factors whereas the human impact can be considered relatively less important. The southern sector of the study area is featured by a well-developed infrastructure system, which is able to assure a sustainable beach occupation. Nevertheless, significant interventions such as dune replacement by permanent or ephemeral infrastructures, uncontrolled pedestrian or vehicular access and inappropriate use of mechanical beach cleaning have been recognized in this sector of the beach. These long-lasting impacts have promoted the dismantling of large sector of the dune habitats. Obtained results allowed identifying the critical area where appropriate actions can be performed for the mitigation of impacts, the conservation of dune habitats and their sustainable use.

A case study on dune response to infragravity waves

A series of numerical simulations were conducted using the process-based model XBeach to investigate dune response under normal and getting rid of infragravity wave conditions with different slopes. Erosion volume upside the dune toe and dune top recession are set as indicators for dune vulnerability as well as defence capacity for its front-beach. Results show that both dune erosion volume and dune top recession decrease with gentler dune slopes. Of all the simulation cases, dune with a face slope of 1/1 lost most sand and supplied most sand for lower-bed. The presence of infragravity waves is validated to be crucial to dune vulnerability. The dune erosion volume is shown to decrease by 44.5%∼61.5% and the dune top recession decreased by 0%∼45.5% correspondingly, in the case that infragravity motion is not taken into account during simulation for different dune slopes.

Development of a coastal dune vulnerability index for Mediterranean ecosystems: A useful tool for coastal managers?

Coastal dune ecosystems have been severely degraded as a result of excessive natural resource exploitation, urbanisation, industrial growth, and worldwide tourism. Coastal management often requires the use of vulnerability indices to facilitate the decision-making process. The main objective of this study was to develop a Mediterranean dune vulnerability index (MDVI) for sandy coasts, starting from the existing dune vulnerability index (DVI) proposed by Garcia-Mora et al. (2001) related to the oceanic coasts. Given that the Mediterranean sandy coasts are quite different from the Atlantic coasts, several adjustments and integrations were introduced. Our proposed index is based on the following five main group of factors: geomorphological conditions of the dune systems (GCD), marine influence (MI), aeolian effect (AE), vegetation condition (VC), and human effect (HE), for a total of 51 variables derived (and adapted) from the bibliography or proposed for the first time in this study. For each coastal site, a total vulnerability index, ranging from 0 (very low vulnerability) to 1 (very high vulnerability), was calculated as the unweighted average of the five partial vulnerability indices. Index computation was applied to 23 coastal dune systems of two different contexts in Italy, i.e. peninsular and continental island territories representative of the W-Mediterranean Basin, in order to compare the dune systems with different geomorphology, shoreline dynamics, and human pressure. In particular, our research addressed the following two questions: (1) Which variables are the most critical for the Italian coastal systems? (2) How can the coastal dune vulnerability index be used to develop appropriate strategies of conservation and management for these ecosystems? Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling separated the peninsular from the insular sites, both of which were characterised by low to moderate values of vulnerability (0.32 < MDVI < 0.49). The most critical factors for the coastal systems examined in this study were marine negative influence, low stabilising ability of vegetation, and human disturbance. Hence, coastal managers are encouraged to plan specific management actions such as protection of foredunes from marine factors (particularly erosion), to promote dune formation with the reintroduction of native dune builder species and to minimise human pressure where vulnerability depends on these variables.

Vulnerability Assessment of a Coastal Dune System at São Francisco do Sul Island, Santa Catarina, Brazil

In this paper a Coastal Dune Vulnerability Index (CDVI) has been applied on a beach located in the eastern side of Sao Francisco do Sul Island (Brazil). The aim of this study is to assess the vulnerability of a coastal dune system and to identify the areas that result most sensitive to environmental changes. The CDVI has been applied along six transects traced out on two sectors that have been selected based on dune characteristics: Zone A is characterized by well developed parabolic dunes, whereas Zone B is characterized by transverse dunes. The analysis involved 51 quantitative and qualitative variables, divided into five groups: geomorphological dune system condition, marine influence, Aeolian effect, vegetation condition and human effect. The total CDVI was computed as the unweighted average of the partial vulnerability indices. In summary, the total vulnerability can be classified as medium: the geomorphological factor must be monitored at Grande beach, in particular the blowouts in Zone A and the frontal dune retreat in Zone B. The results of the study confirm that the management of coastal areas might be improved using a tool such as the CDVI, which can be easily applied on a regular basis to take under control the factors that mostly affect the evolution of the site.

Impacts of storm chronology on the morphological changes of the Formby beach and dune system, UK

Abstract. Impacts of storm chronology within a storm cluster on beach/dune erosion are investigated by applying the state-of-the-art numerical model XBeach to the Sefton coast, northwest England. Six temporal storm clusters of different storm chronologies were formulated using three storms observed during the 2013/2014 winter. The storm power values of these three events nearly halve from the first to second event and from the second to third event. Cross-shore profile evolution was simulated in response to the tide, surge and wave forcing during these storms. The model was first calibrated against the available post-storm survey profiles. Cumulative impacts of beach/dune erosion during each storm cluster were simulated by using the post-storm profile of an event as the pre-storm profile for each subsequent event. For the largest event the water levels caused noticeable retreat of the dune toe due to the high water elevation. For the other events the greatest evolution occurs over the bar formations (erosion) and within the corresponding troughs (deposition) of the upper-beach profile. The sequence of events impacting the size of this ridge–runnel feature is important as it consequently changes the resilience of the system to the most extreme event that causes dune retreat. The highest erosion during each single storm event was always observed when that storm initialised the storm cluster. The most severe storm always resulted in the most erosion during each cluster, no matter when it occurred within the chronology, although the erosion volume due to this storm was reduced when it was not the primary event. The greatest cumulative cluster erosion occurred with increasing storm severity; however, the variability in cumulative cluster impact over a beach/dune cross section due to storm chronology is minimal. Initial storm impact can act to enhance or reduce the system resilience to subsequent impact, but overall the cumulative impact is controlled by the magnitude and number of the storms. This model application provides inter-survey information about morphological response to repeated storm impact. This will inform local managers of the potential beach response and dune vulnerability to variable storm configurations.

Successes and failures in the management of coastal dunes of SW Spain: Status analysis nine years after management decisions

Coastal dunes are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, urgently requiring conservation and restoration efforts to preserve them. A Management Action Plan, aimed at minimizing human impact and protecting the foredune, was designed and implemented in a 15km discontinuous coastal stretch of SW Spain, based on the dune vulnerability assessment carried out in this area in 2004. In order to identify the successes and failures of the designed strategies, the studied dune systems were re-assessed in 2013. Access improvement measures substantially reduced human impact and dune vulnerability. Protective fences that prevented trampling in the upper beaches and foredunes, together with the planting of native dune builder species, were altogether highly effective in promoting the recovery of the dunes natural functioning while reducing their vulnerability levels with limited sand supply. Dune stretches with erosion problems required the promotion of new, retreated foredunes. The absence of fences preventing trampling favoured vulnerability increases related to poor vegetation ability to trap and stabilize wind-blown sands and increasing wind erosion in areas of high visitor pressure. Results from this study contributed to the improvement of the Management Action Plan and identified key factors to be taken into account when managing or restoring other similar coastal dune systems.

Erosional Impact on Caspian Sea Coasts Stability Capacity

Stability capacity determination of beach against marine erosion forces in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea (Babolsar to Noor) is the main target in this paper. By dividing study areas to 14 zones, shoreline displacement rate, land covering deformation and sand dune erosion vulnerability tendency have been measured with remote sensing and the geographical information system. In field monitoring, the geometric structure of the beach was mapped and 42 sediment samples have been obtained from the beach zone (Berm, shoreline, 0.5 meter depth). Then the beach stability capacity levels that due to several criterions such as: (sediment texture, geometry structure, sand dune accumulation, and land use development and land cover changes) have been calculated by GIS in universal ranking system model (URSM). Results showed that the highest stability capacity rates belong to Talar beach (zone 1) and Arabkheil beach (zone 2) and the eastern part of Mahmoodabad beach (zone 9). By contrast, Mahmoodabad (zone 10) and Noor (zone 14) were the most unstable regions against sea-levels and hydrodynamic forces.

Wind extremes in the North Sea Basin under climate change: An ensemble study of 12 CMIP5 GCMs

Coastal safety may be influenced by climate change, as changes in extreme surge levels and wave extremes may increase the vulnerability of dunes and other coastal defenses. In the North Sea, an area already prone to severe flooding, these high surge levels and waves are generated by low atmospheric pressure and severe wind speeds during storm events. As a result of the geometry of the North Sea, not only the maximum wind speed is relevant, but also wind direction. Climate change could change maximum wind conditions, with potentially negative effects for coastal safety. Here, we use an ensemble of 12 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) General Circulation Models (GCMs) and diagnose the effect of two climate scenarios (rcp4.5 and rcp8.5) on annual maximum wind speed, wind speeds with lower return frequencies, and the direction of these annual maximum wind speeds. The 12 selected CMIP5 models do not project changes in annual maximum wind speed and in wind speeds with lower return frequencies; however, we do find an indication that the annual extreme wind events are coming more often from western directions. Our results are in line with the studies based on CMIP3 models and do not confirm the statement based on some reanalysis studies that there is a climate‐change‐related upward trend in storminess in the North Sea area.

COASTAL DUNES VULNERABILITY INDEXES: A NEW PROPOSAL

In the present work it is proposed a new coastal dune vulnerability index based on its exposure (and resistance) to overwashing and erosion under storm events, focusing solely on the short-term events. The methodology is applied and validated against the available data for the Ria Formosa (Algarve, Portugal) coastal beaches. The overwash index is determined as a function of the dune crest height in relation with the maxima water levels for different return periods, and the storm-erosion index is computed as function of the remaining beach/dune volume after the impact of&#x0D; the 10-year return period extreme-wave conditions in relation to the pre-storm volume. It is discussed the results of this application, enhancing the necessity of further validation.

The effect of climate change on extreme waves in front of the Dutch coast

Coastal safety may be influenced by climate change, as changes in wave conditions (height, period, direction) may increase the vulnerability of dunes and other coastal defences. Dune erosion depends on mean water level, storm surge height and wave conditions. In this paper, we investigate the change in wave conditions in the North Sea in a changing climate. Until now, the effect of climate change on annual maximum wave conditions has been investigated, while events with higher return periods are actually most damaging for the coast (e.g. severe dune erosion). Here, we use the 17-member Ensemble SimulationS of Extreme weather under Non-linear Climate changeE (ESSENCE) change of climate change simulations, to analyse A1b-induced changes in the mean wave climate, the annual maxima and wave conditions with return periods of up to 1:10,000 years in front of the Dutch coast. The mean wave climate is not projected to differ between 1961–1990 and 2071–2100, with both wave height (H s) and wave period (T m) remaining unaltered. In the annual maximum conditions, a decrease is projected; especially, the annual T m maximum decreases significantly by 0.3 to 0.6 s over the whole study area. Furthermore, we find that the direction of the annual maximum wave conditions shifts from north and north-west to west and south-west for both H s and T m. This is induced by a similar shift in the direction of the extreme wind speeds. Despite the decrease in annual maximum conditions, the return H s and T m are not projected to change significantly as a result of climate change in front of the Dutch coast for the period 2071–2100 relative to 1961–1990.

Coastal dunes vulnerability. GAVAM checklist method used at three mediterranean microtidal wave dominated beaches (Gulf of Cagliari)

The study shows the results achieved by using Geomorphology, Aeolian, Vegetation, Anthropogenic, Marine influences, (GAVAM) checklist, in three coastal dune zones of beaches located in southern Sardinia. The aim is the experimentation of reproducibility of GAVAM checklist in three Mediterranean microtidal wave dominated beaches.The studied dune zones are located at three Site of Community Importance (SCI) sites: ITB 042230 Porto Campana, ITB 042218 Stagno di Piscinni e ITB 040020 Isola dei Cavoli, Serpentara, Punta Molentis (southern Sardinia).By the application of GAVAM checklist the Partial Index Vulnerability (IVp) and the Dune Vulnerability Index (DVI) or total (IV) values are sequentially derived. IV index either partial or total ranges between 0 and 1, and as the index increases, the ability of the dune system to withstand further interventions decreases.The methodology has allowed an objective deduction to both potential vulnerability and the main source of imposed changes, as well major threats/stress factors have been assessed. DVI values range between 0.47 e 0.59 and indicate medium to high vulnerability.Moreover, the use of aerial photographs also highlighted the need for the implementation of the checklist using additional parameters related to fluvial-lacustrine processes and of particular anthropogenic activities.