Shoreline Dynamics and Sediment Transport Processes at Chorefto Beach, Pelion: Insights for Sustainable Coastal Management

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Published: Jul 29, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ta.39651
Keywords:
Sediment transport Coastal morphology Numerical modelling
Thomas Balafas
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3741-8665
Vasiliki Georgiadou
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1110-6946
Marios Billios
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1800-3823
Christina Tsiara
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4729-5643
Maria Kostoula
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9040-023X
Anna Tzima
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8740-8416
Christina Preveniou
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1423-1749
George Spiliotopoulos
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1526-1262
Lampros Vasiliades
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1427-0007
Vanessa Katsardi
University of Thessaly
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0508-8382
Abstract

This study explores the geomorphological evolution and shoreline dynamics of Chorefto Beach in Zagora, Pelion, Greece over the period 1945–2023. Combining historical data analysis, field observations, and advanced numerical simulations, the research evaluates natural and anthropogenic influences on sediment transport, erosion, and shoreline stability. Using sediment transport models like the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Erosion Potential Method (EPM), the study identifies increased rainfall as a primary driver of sediment deposition. Key findings reveal that sediment contributions from nearby streams, coupled with wave dynamics and wind action, sustain a state of dynamic equilibrium that mitigates erosion risks. Numerical modelling via the MIKE 21/3 coupled system further validates these findings, indicating that even under extreme wind and wave scenarios, erosion remains negligible in critical areas. The results highlight a consistent long-term trend of shoreline accretion, supported by sediment influx from streams and a stable balance of natural forces. The study underscores the importance of integrated coastal zone management strategies to preserve the environmental integrity of Chorefto Beach and promote sustainable coastal development in the face of evolving climatic and anthropogenic pressures. These findings provide critical insights for managing similar vulnerable coastal zones effectively.

Article Details
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  • Naval Coastal and Maritime Design Engineering and Planning
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Author Biographies
Lampros Vasiliades, University of Thessaly

Dr. Lampros Vasiliades is an Assistant Professor in Engineering Hydrology at the Hydraulics & Environmental Engineering Sector, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Greece. He was awarded a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of the Aegean, Greece (1995), a M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK (1996) and a PhD (2010) in Hydrology and Hydroinformatics from the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Greece. Mr. Vasiliades is a registered professional environmental scientist in Greece and member of the Greek Committee for Water Resources Management, the Hellenic Meteorological Society, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), the Global Network for Environmental Sciences and Technology (Global Nest), the International Environmental Modelling & Software Society (iEMSs) and other professional and scientific organizations. He is Editor in Journals Water, Earth and Frontiers in Environmental Science and a regular reviewer in several international scientific journals. His research interests include: a) analysis, modelling, and forecasting of extreme hydrological events (floods and droughts), b) spatiotemporal analysis, estimation, and modelling of hydrometeorological and water quality data, c) deterministic and stochastic hydrological modelling, d) climate change impacts on the hydrological processes and water resources, e) water resources management, f) applications of geoinformatics on hydrology, water resources and hydrosystems and g) design and environmental impact assessment studies of hydrotechnical projects. Mr. Vasiliades is the author and co-author of more than 100 publications in refereed journals, international conference proceedings and technical reports. His published work has received over 1840 citations, as indicated in Scopus database search with h-index=22 and over 2700 citations, as indicated in Google Scholar database search (h-index=24, i-10-index=30). He has participated in several national and European research projects on hydrology, water resources management and the use of remote sensing and GIS in hydrology and water resources and he is National Representative and/or Substitute Member of Greece in COST Actions (i.e. COST ES1404, COST ES0901, CA15206).

Vanessa Katsardi, University of Thessaly

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly (UTH). She has been serving UTH since 2012 and specializes in ocean and coastal engineering. Her research focuses on Extreme Waves, Statistics of Large Waves in Deep and Shallow Water, Numerical Modelling, Offshore wind-farm planning. She is a Civil Engineering Graduate of DUTH (2001) and holds a master’s degree in Hydraulic Engineering (DUTH, 2002). She completed her doctoral studies at Imperial College, London (2007) in the field of Coastal and Ocean Engineering. She had 2 post-doctoral appointments: 1) Imperial College, London (Οct. 2006 - Αug. 2007) and 2) NTUA (Dec. 2010 - Oct. 2013). She has collaborated with major companies of the oil and gas industry (Shell, BP, Statoil, Woodside, Total) and has participated or led more than 15 research projects related to marine construction, offshore oil platforms and offshore wind energy. She has been teaching relative subjects since 2007. At UTH, she teaches Coastal Engineering, Wave Mechanics and Offshore Structures and Maritime Hydraulics and Harbour Engineering. She has more than 30 publications in journals and international/national conferences related to the above subjects and more than 70 verified reviews in journals and conference proceedings. Scopus: 32 Documents, 230 citations, h-index 8. Google Scholar: 38 Documents,Citations 332, h-index 9, i10 index 9. 

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