Dynamics of beach profiles on the Necoclí coast region: subsidies for the sustainable use and management of the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

Colombian Caribbean coastline presents serious problems with coastal erosion due these natural phenomena and human interventions. In Necoclí, located in the southwestern region of the Colombian Caribbean we can to ractify this scenario. Due to its peculiar geomorphology and coastal dynamics, hard coastal protection projects had to be implemented for years to reduce the effects of erosion on the local coastline. However, there was a lack of studies that could evaluate the effect of these engineering artefacts over the region. In this sence, the present work evaluated the evolution and transport of sediments on the urban beaches of Necoclí, based on different simulations. These analyzes were performed in the Coastal Modeling System (SMC) numerical model, which was calibrated/validated with in situ data and detailed beach profiles. The use of the SMC allowed comparisons for different periods, making it possible to evaluate the real impact of coastal engineering projects on local sediment transport. Thus, it was possible to quantify the effect of coastal protection innitiatives in line with regional climate variability and mesoscale processes.