Detecting problematic beach widths for the recreational function along the Gulf of Valencia (Spain) from Landsat 8 subpixel shorelines

Abstract

This work shows a continuous and regional monitoring of the beach width and how to link it with the recreational function of these spaces. Shorelines automatically derived from Landsat 8 satellite were employed for this purpose, covering up to 83 dates (2013–2016) and 150 km of beaches. The study included the microtidal beaches of the Gulf of Valencia, a strongly developed coast with intensive use in the Western Mediterranean. Beach widths were defined in alongshore coastal segments of 80-m length. Annual mean width and annual percentiles appeared as representative statistics of the beach state and the most unfavorable widths occurred throughout the year. Considering these statistical descriptors, beach segments were classified according to their adequacy to sustain a recreational function. The integration of descriptors of the beach width and use of the beach data on a regional scale offers a holistic approach to identify potentially problematic segments, crucial information for coastal managers.