Accumulated effects of chronic, acute and man-induced erosion in Nørlev strand on the Danish west coast

Abstract

AbstractThis paper provides an in-depth analysis of the erosion at Nørlev Strand located on the Danish west coast. This location suffers from severe erosion; the result of a combined chronic, acute and, at least partially, man-induced erosion. The analysis is done by studying the average climatic conditions in the vicinity, and the effects of storms. Analysis shows an increase in the measured moderate to large wave events and consequent connection of the erosion problem to climate change. Other effects of climate change such as increase in rainfall were also considered and a surprisingly good correlation was found between coastal erosion in Nørlev and national storm records. Furthermore, a shift in mean wave direction has also been noted in the case of waves coming from the north. The significance that these changes can have in the sediment is assessed quantitatively through numerical modelling.