Seasonal changes and morphodynamic behavior of a high-energy mesotidal beach: case study of Charf el Akab beach on the North Atlantic coast of Morocco |
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Authors: | Mohammed Taaouati Driss Nachite Javier Benavente Abdelmounim Elmrini |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences,Abdelmalek Essaadi University,Tétouan,Morocco;2.Department of Geology, Faculty of Marine Sciences,University of Cadiz,Puerto Real,Spain |
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Abstract: | The morphodynamic behavior of a mesotidal sandy beach was monitored during both calm and energetic conditions. Two years of
seasonal surveys were carried out on Charf el Akab, a gently sloped beach in the North Atlantic coast of Morocco. The method
of survey consisted of a 3D study of the beach morphological changes and provided 2 cm vertical accuracy. During the surveyed
period, Charf el Akab beach underwent very energetic wave conditions, and the breaking wave height was of H
b ≥ 1.5 m. The beach is characterized by a nonpermanent swash bar and composed of well-sorted medium sand. The application
of environmental parameters revealed a dissipative state with very low beach gradient which did not vary significantly over
the studied period. Morphological changes consist of beach erosion and bar decay under high-energy waves, whereas the intertidal
bar re-established and the beach recorded an accentuated accretion due to relatively fair weather conditions. The beach volume
reveals a seasonal behavior; the sand accumulated during summer is dramatically removed during winter season. The range in
beach sand volume from the most accreted to the most eroded conditions observed is about −5,493 m3. The average sand volume flux between surveys reaches −1 and 0.4 m2/day during peak erosion and accretion periods. The relationships between the wave forcing and the sand volume adjustments
were examined. The sand volume change was found to be highly correlated (0.91) with the wave energy flux. The highest correspondence
(0.95) was found between the sand flux rate and the wave energy flux. The wave forcing is expected to be the main factor governing
beach morphodynamics at Charf el Akab site. |
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