Scholarly record
SHORELINE DYNAMICS AND EVOLUTION OF SANDY BEACHES ALONG THE BURGAS COAST DURING THE PERIOD OF 1980S TO 2025
Abstract
This study examines the morphological characteristics and shoreline dynamics of sandy beaches along the Burgas coast, one of the most diverse and human-impacted regions of the Bulgarian Black Sea. By integrating high-resolution Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) photogrammetry, GIS-based morphometric analysis, and historical shoreline data spanning the 1980s to 2025, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of coastal evolution over the past century. Five representative beaches, Sarafovo, Atanasovska Kosa, Burgas Central, Poda, and Krajmorie, were analysed to quantify shoreline change rates and identify spatial variability in sediment dynamics. The results reveal contrasting trends: 63.5% of transects indicate accretion, while 36.5% show erosion, with an overall mean Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) of +12.64 m. Burgas Central Beach exhibits significant accretion (NSM +35.54 m), driven by coastal engineering, whereas Poda Beach remains erosion-prone (NSM -3.16 m), exposed to natural forces. These patterns reflect the complex interplay between natural processes and anthropogenic interventions, such as port expansions and shoreline modifications. The study underscores the need for integrated coastal management, combining historical and modern data to support sustainable planning and habitat conservation. The applied standardised mapping methodology offers a scalable approach for monitoring and managing coastal systems facing increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate-induced sea-level rise.
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References24
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