Claudio Kalb

Morpho-sedimentary features and sediment transport model of the submerged beach of the ‘Pineta della foce del Garigliano’ SCI Site (Caserta, southern Italy)

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the results of a detailed geomorphological and sedimentological study of a coastal sector of southern Italy, the Pineta della foce del Garigliano SCI (i.e. Site of Community Importance), which is largely affected by shoreline retreat and the degradation of dune habitat. The analysis of shoreline evolution demonstrates that severe erosion processes have occurred over the last 50 years. They caused the complete dismantling of the foredune, whereas the anomalous and advanced position of the secondary dune promoted a progressive loss of vegetation habitat of high environmental value such as juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa). Morpho-sedimentary data and hydrodynamic models suggest that the main climate events promoted a net longshore transport toward the South. Our analyses confirm that erosion processes are linked to natural factors but several negative human practices have contributed to the acceleration of shoreline retreat and degradation of the dune habitat. In addition to its scientific value, the map and data here presented represent an important tool for beach management purposes.

Morpho-sedimentology of a Mediterranean microtidal embayed wave dominated beach system and related inner shelf with Posidonia oceanica meadows: the SE Sardinian coast

This article presents a morpho-sedimentological map of a Mediterranean embayed microtidal wave-dominated beach system and related inner shelf. The study area is located between Capo Boi and the Torre de su Fenugu sector, and focuses on Solanas beach in SE Sardinia. All of the collected data were processed to draw a main 1:7,000 scale map, which shows the general characteristics of the entire area, including its hydrodynamic, morphological, and sedimentological features (distribution of siliciclastic and biogenic/bioclastic sediments), rocky outcrops, beach rocks, and marine phanerogam meadow coverage (mainly Posidonia oceanica). Several secondary maps such as routes and paths, side-scan sonar photomosaic interpretations, and sedimentary facies have also been included. In addition to its scientific value, the map can be an important tool for beach management purposes.

Bars/troughs dynamics and evolution trend of the La Cinta beach (San Teodoro OT) - NE Sardinia

This work describes the dynamics and evolution trend in La Cinta beach located in San Teodoro, it is 4 km long and composed of fine quartz rich sand, backed by well-developed dune ridge and San Teodoros lagoon. The study began a few days after the flood on the 24th of September 09, which caused the breach of 25 openings on dry-beach.Sedimentary and hydrodynamic characteristics were studied. Short-term variations have been periodically monitored since the flood and tested using topo-bathymetric digital models, derived from data acquired in 4 different fi eld surveys. Models of wave motion and hydrodynamics were created using Delft3D software. The results obtained from these models (wave ray direction, deep current distribution, structure and surfzone dynamics) allowed to visualize the response of beach to wind/waves stress, forced from NE, E, SE (wind intensity 18m/s, 10m/s). Data acquired demonstrate the hight resilence of this beach, with tendency to re-establishment of steady state with short relaxation times.

Short-term evolution of the Budoni beach on NE Sardinia (Italy)

Dynamics and evolution trend in Budoni beach are described. The beach (long about 4km) is composed of fi ne to gravelly quarz sand, few seasonal lagoons are developed behind the dunes. Shortterm variations have been periodically monitored since October 09. Sedimentary and hydrodynamic characteristics were studied. Short-term evolution was tested using topo-bathymetric digital models, derived from data acquired in 3 different field; models of wave motion and hydrodynamics were created using Delft3D software. The results obtained from these models (wave ray direction, deep current distribution, structure and surfzone dynamics) allowed to visualize the response of beach to wind/waves stress, forced from NE, E, SE (wind intensity 18m/s, 10m/s). Gregale and Sirocco are the winds that generate the widest surfzone, the currents created by the these winds cause mainly longshore transportation in the early hours of the meteo-marine event. The beach shows an homeostatic behavior characteristics typical of balanced systems.

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.