Coastline morphodynamics and defences in Mazatlán, Mexico
by Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun; Arturo Ruiz-Luna; Alma Guadalupe Navarro-Hernández
Interdisciplinary Environmental Review (IER), Vol. 19, No. 2, 2018

Abstract: The coastline of Mazatlán City has retreated within the contemporary (2012-2016) timeline. Changes were analysed from Landsat (7 and 8) images of 2012-2016, and GPS field surveys of 2016. The pattern of yearly shoreline retreat showed a northern region of high annual shoreline retreats (>1 m yr⁻¹) and a southern region of very low retreat (<1 m yr⁻¹). Any assumption of overall erosion must be made with caution since there have been periods of accretion along the beach, even when the analysis of shoreline change suggests an overall dominance of erosion; also, the rates of erosion differed among the three analysed sections/sedimentary cells. Such mechanisms are the natural processes by which the coastline adjusts to the changing forces in the coastal zone. However, the coastal defence structures compromise this natural sedimentary system and its associated coastal dynamics through the elimination or reduction of sediment supply. There is a need for interdisciplinary monitoring and management of this coastal zone and of this type of coastal areas in tropical regions of the world, not only for tourism purposes and protection of the properties on the land but also for shoreline preservation.

Online publication date: Tue, 24-Jul-2018

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