Agustín Sánchez-Arcilla Conejo

Erosive and accretive mobile bed experiments in large scale tests

Traditionally data and analysis for erosive or Accretive wave conditions have been carried out at relatively small scales and without enough spatial coverage or resolution. This limits the in depth analysis and does not allow an undistorted (with respect to NATURE) and reliable analysis. In this paper we shall present a sample of 1 Erosive and 2 different Accretive wave sequences acting on a large scale beach profile experiment carried out at the CIEM wave flume in Barcelona. The experimental intervals are large enough to properly assess the impulsive response to large wave events and the underlying trends. We shall be looking at collocated hydro and morphodynamic time series with emphasis on the time scale of the drivers and responses. The subsequent analysis will deal with the different net transport rates between both Accretive conditions and within the different Accretion pattern of both tested conditions. We shall examine the velocity and acceleration skewness of the measured time series at two different points along the bar, while the net transport of the bar decrease with the adaptation of the profile to a more stable situation. The resulting beach behavior will be discussed as a function of the driving hydrodynamics and original beach settings.

Evaluation of transient defence measures against storms

Transient Defence Measures (TDM) are defined as actions that can be taken in advance in the coastal zone in order to reduce the impacts of an specific forecasted storm event. The design of such transient works requires detailed information of the hydrodynamic conditions of forecast events and an assessment of the effect on subsequent beach evolution. In this work, we present an analysis through numerical modelling of the efficiency of transitional dunes and temporary low-crested breakwaters considering the Mediterranean hydrodynamic conditions. The outcomes will serve to design a set of alternatives for mitigation of the coastal risks caused by extreme waves and high sea water levels in European coastal areas.

Natural accretion mechanisms: the role in future coastal sustainability

Although recent research has focused on erosive processes, natural accretion mechanisms have been known for many years, and they can provide an efficient solution to deal with sediment starved coasts. In this paper we shall review natural accretion mechanisms linked to sediment over-wash associated to wave storms in the Spanish Mediterranean. The analysis will encompass general marine flooding in a deltaic coastal fringe, for wide and narrow cross-shore profiles. The analyses will prove the natural capability of dynamic coasts to act in a resilient manner for cases of sediment starvation, such as it is the situation for many deltas and low-lying coasts in developed or developing countries.

Sustainability of artificial coasts: the Barcelona coast case

Coastal Zones: Solutions for the 21st Century bridges the gap between national and international efforts and the local needs for actions in communities where coastal zone challenges are faced daily. The solution-oriented approach covers issues of coastal zone management as well as responses to natural disasters. This work provides ideas on how to face the challenges, develop solutions, and localize management of common-pool resources. Coastal Zones targets academic stakeholders and coastal stakeholders who have local knowledge and experience but need a theoretical framework and a greater range of skills to make use of this experience.