Wave Impact Analysis on a Beach-Dune System to Support Coastal Management and Nourishment Works: The Showcase of Mira, Portugal

At coasts, sandy beach-dune systems act as natural barriers to environmental forcing, preventing coastal flooding and protecting communities. In the context of studies, it is fundamental identify sectors exposed wave impact support management suggest soft engineering interventions. This work examines morphodynamics Mira system on northern-central littoral Portugal over winter 2016-2017. Coupling topographic data with estimation runup total water level (TWL) timeseries, we proposed an operational framework spot most vulnerable dune collision overwash. The highest variations occurred in northern sector study area, where overwash events due low crest (DC) elevation. toe (DT) was frequently collided by waves central sector, upper beach profile variable during winter. Overall, were registered not only storms, but also spring tides mild conditions. Results highlight importance uploading intertidal slope when computing levels wave-dominated mesotidal beaches, therefore, need for a consistent monitoring program zones. Findings this supported systems, regional authorities restore ridges prevent further erosion. presented can be applied build vulnerability map response forecast predicted sea-level rise.