Chapter Modelling of wave height, currents and sediment transport at Locos beach (Torrevieja, Spain) before and after nourishment

Abstract

The paper studies the impact of nourishment with coarse sand at Locos beach in Torrevieja, Spain, in January 2020, on coastal dynamics. The objective is to model the changes in wave heights, currents, and potential sediment transport due to the nourishment. The SMC 2.5 software was used to model the beach evolution. The results show that the nourishment caused a reduction in wave height in some directions, especially in the ENE direction, and a decrease in current velocity in all directions. The potential sediment transport was reduced by three times in all directions after nourishment, and in the northern part, it almost disappeared. Nourishment also decreased the number and intensity of eddies in the surf zone, implying a reduction in rip currents, and enhancing safety for beachgoers. Additionally, nourishment led to a reduction in potential sediment transport, improving the stability of the cross-shore beach profile against storms. The findings suggest that coarse sand nourishment at Locos beach improved stability and safety, providing valuable insights for future coastal beach management and design.