Integrating multidisciplinary approaches to assess beach dynamics and erosion susceptibility

Teresa Fracchiolla¹, Stefania Lisco¹, Sara Criniti³, Annamaria Fornelli¹, Carlotta Nonnis Marzano², Francesca Micheletti¹, Antonella Schiavo², Roberta Trani², Isabella Lapietra¹, Salvatore Critelli³ & Massimo Moretti^1
1Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4 Bari, Italy.
²Department of Bioscence, Biotechnology and Environment (DBBA), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4 Bari, Italy.
³Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria.
Corresponding author e-mail: teresa.fracchiolla@uniba.it

This work presents the methodological framework developed within the BERMS project, designed to integrate sedimentological, geomorphological, geophysical, compositional, and ecological approaches for assessing beach dynamics and erosion susceptibility. The primary aim is to establish a standardized, transferable protocol for monitoring wave-dominated sandy beaches in Mediterranean settings affected by increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate-driven changes. Field activities focus on three sites in Southern Italy—Torre Guaceto (Adriatic Sea) and Porto Cesareo (Ionian sea) located in Apulia, and Sibari by the Ionian sea in Calabria—each characterized by distinct sediment dynamics, geomorphological features, and ecological sensitivities. The study combines high-resolution topographic surveys with subsurface imaging techniques (Sub Bottom Profilers, Ground Penetrating Radar, resistivity models), supported by numerical simulations using Delft3D. The key innovation of the project is the methodological framework based upon monitoring techniques. By combining traditional field-based approaches with advanced modelling and ecological indicators, BERMS aims to balance environmental conservation with socio-economic development needs. Special attention is also given to identifying primary sediment sources and understanding sediment–ecosystem interactions, which are essential for sustainable coastal management. The resulting methodology provides scalable tools and protocols for long-term beach monitoring across the Mediterranean, contributing to more informed decision-making processes in coastal planning and climate resilience strategies.

coastal erosion, sediment dynamics, sandy beaches, coastal management, geomorphological and geophysical monitoring.