Searching for potential marine sand resources to mitigate beach erosion in island settings

Abstract

This article presents the results of a marine geophysical and sedimentological study carried out around Lesvos Island (NE Aegean) to investigate the potential of exploitable marine aggregate (MA) deposits that could be used for beach replenishment purposes. Sub-bottom profiler data showed a good prospect for potential coarse-grained deposits in two of the three surveyed areas around Lesvos. Grain size and mineralogical analysis of the surficial sediments revealed sands that could properly feed nourishment schemes for eroded beaches or artificial beach development. Observed MA volumes are considered adequate for renourishment operations, when the threat of projected sea-level rise is introduced. Environmental constraints, as well as human activities, are considered for the suggestion and prioritization of specific areas for detailed surveying before future exploitation.

Keywords:

• Marine aggregates
• beach nourishment
• coastal erosion
• geophysical prospecting
• sedimentology
• coastal management
• Lesvos Island

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the valuable assistance of the crew of R/V Alkyon during field operations, of Mr S. Petrakis during fieldwork, and of Mrs I. Stavrakaki for her support during sedigraph analysis in the HCMR lab. Also, they would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions, which improved the overall quality of the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the research program THALES-MARE (MIS: 375655), funded by the Operational Programme “Education and lifelong learning, 2007-2013” of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports.