Chapter Monitoring beach erosion along the Central Adriatic coast: the case study of Molise Region

Abstract

Coastal areas characterized by sandy shorelines are among the most dynamic environments and subject to deep and rapid changes over time under the influence of natural and anthropic factors. Therefore, reconstructing the geomorphological and anthropogenic evolution, current state and possible near-future trends of a sandy beach is essential for deepening the understanding of its potential future development and better outlining measures for its sustainable management. Therefore we have examined the coast of the Molise Italy, which is predominantly made of sandy shorelines and characterized by widespread anthropogenic impact mainly due to tourism and the presence of hard defense structures. This coastline has been continuously monitored. Field measurements mainly concerned shoreline and dune front positions along with sedimentary and morpho-topographic features of the backshore/foreshore zones and the submerged beach up to the closure depth. Drone survey campaigns in 2019-24, carried out the creation of digital terrain models and detailed evaluations of recent morpho-topographic changes of the beach-dune systems. The combination of all validated field survey methodologies, along with the planned campaigns for the future, represent the monitoring plan outlined for the Molise coast aimed at defining future action strategies to support its sustainable development and the mitigation of the effects associated with the ongoing climate change