Coastal Erosion at Maria Farinha Beach, Pernambuco, Brazil: Possible Causes and Alternatives for Shoreline Protection

Mallmann, D.L.B. and Pereira, P.S., 2014. Coastal erosion at Maria Farinha Beach, Pernambuco, Brazil: Possible causes and alternatives for shoreline protection.The aim of this study is to understand the main processes that are involved in the erosion of Maria Farinha Beach, in Recife, Brazil, a beach of great ecological and socioeconomic importance. Currently, the southern part of the beach is exposed to more frequent periods of erosion, especially during spring tides, while in the northern part accretion can be observed. The possible causes of erosion can be related to: (i) changes in longshore drift rates, resulting in a negative sediment budget; (ii) the impact of the incoming waves, that concentrate energy in a small sector, and/or (iii) urban development on top of the beach system. In order to minimize erosion problems, the following alternatives are suggested: (i) the construction of a submerged breakwater; (ii) the use of a sand bypassing system and (iii) the relocation of existing buildings. It is concluded that the erosion problem at Maria Farinha is complex and difficult to solve, since it has multiple causes.