Abstract:
In order to investigate the morphological evolution characteristics and impact factors of the southeastern sandy beaches in Zhujiajian, Zhejiang, six topographic surveys of bed profiles were conducted during November 2012-November 2015. Results show that the beach morphology exhibits significant seasonal variations before beach nourishments. Specifically, the period from post-typhoon to the end of winter was featured by extensive accretion in upper and middle beach, with a maximum accretion height of 0.97 m. Meanwhile, the top and bottom of the beaches showed slight erosion, with erosion depths generally less than 0.3 m. Beach berms formed in the northern Dongsha and southern Nansha profiles. From spring to pre-typhoon season, the middle beach was eroded while the upper and lower beach were silted up, with the maximum erosion depth and accretion height of approximately 0.8 and 0.5 m, respectively. During the typhoon season, intense erosion occurred in the upper and middle parts of the beaches, with maximum erosion depth exceeding 1.0 m, while the lower parts experienced accretion, with maximum accretion height around 0.45 m, forming typical storm profiles. From November 2012 to November 2015, significant inter-annual morphological changes were observed in southern Dongsha and northern Nansha with localized erosion depths exceeding 1.0 m, which indicates erosion risks. In contrast, Qiansha, Lisha, and Qingsha exhibited dynamic equilibrium state with morphological changes ranged between −0.6 m and 0.4 m. Additionally, the morphological evolution of the beaches was jointly controlled by tides and waves, with geomorphological conditions and human activities further influencing the morphological features. Dongsha, being less sheltered by headlands, experienced stronger hydrodynamic forces and more intense morphological changes. Human activities may contribute to the erosion in Dongsha and Nansha, highlighting the importance of scientifically design of artificial structures to maintain the natural dynamic balance of the beaches.