Coastal Erosion in Chile
Studies have found that 80% of Chilie's coastlines have erosion. This is linked from storm damage since 2015. Coastal erosion on four urban beaches on Valpariso Bay was analyzed. Satellite images and topography surveys were used to determine the spatial-temporal changes in the shoreline. These changes were from wave climate, and sea level. The analysis showed that Reneca beach experienced accretion of 12.6 between 1964 and 2006. Caleta Portales was really affected by a shore retreat of 12.6 between 2004 and 2016. All and all erosion rates are increasing. The sea level is rising to 30 CM during warm phases. Also, with the increase of extreme storms which went from 5 events in the 1960s to currently 20 events in the most recent years. This erosion is suggesting that these coasts could deteriorate if such factors become more prevalent. Erosion negatively effects the coasts. Wind waves, storm surges, crustal changes caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, sea level changes and sediment supply are of major concern. Coastal erosion has been much greater in places affected by abnormal storms responsible for a transitory sea level increase and complex responses on the coast. The potential for damage due to short-term mean sea level changes is related to atmospheric perturbations at different spatial scales, the nearshore bathymetry and the geomorphological characteristics of the coast of Chiles shores. The issues of these problems can cause violent changes on the coast, affecting lives and coastal buildings. Tectonic activity also plays a significant role in erosion processes since the coast presents different behavior due to seismic cycles.
Mitigation factors
Engineering measures also sediment management schemes are proposed for the development of the coastal zone. They're building wall structures to stand tall and protect from energy of the waves. They're building grey quarters on beaches which stick out in the water and protect the beaches. The trouble with these methods is they are expensive and often do not last. Sand dunes are natures way of protecting the beach and protecting from storms. The vegetation traps the sand and holds it in place. The goverment is doing what they can to plant vegetation and protect sand dunes.
References
www.mdpi.com
Science direct .com
youtube
Comments
It was great reading your blog regarding coastal erosion in Chile. I found it really interesting that, "The potential for damage due to short-term mean sea level changes is related to atmospheric perturbations at different spatial scales, the nearshore bathymetry and the geomorphological characteristics of the coast of Chiles shores." I also like that you mentioned how tectonic activity plays a significant role in erosion processes. It's really nice that mitigation factors like building grey quarters are being built, it's annoying how they don't last long, though. Overall, a great read!