Investigation on coastline evolution using long-term observations and numerical modelling

In the present work, the applicability of both field observations and numerical simulations to study the shoreline changes of a low sandy beach was evaluated. This double approach was applied to a study case, i.e. a coastal area located along the Gulf of Manfredonia in Southern Italy. A digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS of ArcGIS©) was adopted to quantify the coastline evolution. The simulation of the shoreline position was performed by using the software package Litpack, by Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI), calibrated with field data. The simulations results were further compared with historic shoreline positions, providing a successful agreement.