Methodology for the control of beach nourishment works in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain)

Abstract

Periodic sand nourishments appear as the most natural way to solve the problem of the coastal erosion. Geophysical campaigns were performed in 1990 in order to identify submerged borrow sand areas. Payment is made on the hopper measurements taken before the sediemnt is pumped onto the beach and granulometric essays must be done on board in order to study the aptness of the sand. Furthermore, the Adminsitration has to take care of possible archaeological remains. The nourishment projects must be reviewed by the Environmental Authority which demands precautionary measures to prevent posiible impacts. The aime of this paper is to show the general methodology to consider all the former aspects when performing beach nourishments in Spain