Analysis of the factors affecting erosion in the beach-dune system of Guardamar del Segura, Spain

Dune systems have recently become fundamental natural solutions for the protection of the coast.The study of its morphodynamic features in storm situations is well documented in the literature.However, the morphological behaviour of these ecosystems when they are artificially modified by humans is still not adequately known.In this study, the morphological parameters of the restored dunes of Viveros Beach in Guardamar del Segura, Spain, are analysed.For this, a profile study was carried out using digital elevation models (DEM).In addition, the waves and incident storms are studied and, finally, a statistical analysis of the different variables that define the three dune zones is conducted.Results show that during periods of increased wave intensity and duration (2016-2017 and 2017-2020), there is correspondingly greater erosion in the dune.Additionally, the slope and the height of the dune present a strong correlation with changes in its volume.Greater volumetric losses occur the greater the slope of the foredune and the dune height.This situation occurs especially in the northernmost area, located next to the breakwater at the mouth of Segura River (Zone 1), where they reach up to 53 • and 10.24 m, respectively.A better understanding of these factors provides coastal managers with effective tools for designing new dune landforms or conserving existing ones.