Recent changes in the coastline between Bocas de Ceniza and Puerto Velero (Atlántico, Colombia)

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the erosive effects on the coasts, which puts at risk the infrastructures and the surrounding landscape. The department of Atlántico (Colombia) is not immune to this repercussion. A study of the different factors that influence erosion and accretion rates in the coastal zone was carried out based on the hydrodynamic characteristics and the Longitudinal Potential Transport of Sediments (TPLS). The TPLS data were obtained using two equations proposed by CERC and Kamphuis, whose parameters at interannual, intraseasonal and annual scales are influenced by waves. The multi-temporal changes in the coastlines of the department of Atlántico were evaluated with the DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) tool. The results of the Linear Regression Rate (LRR) and End Point Rate supplied by DSAS show that the Barranquilla, Puerto Colombia, and Tubará areas have erosion percentages of 40% to 50%; therefore, it can be concluded that a large part of the Atlantic coast is in erosion processes. Finally, the equation of Kamphuis identifies a similarity with the results of erosion and accretion in the eight beaches of the study area, for which the most significant variables are: slope, granulometry and wave height.