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Historical and current evolution of the coastline on the beach of Somo (Cantabria), by using aerial photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning

Abstract:

The topographical surveys performed on the Somo beach (Cantabria) during the years 1988-1993 showed slight changes in the coastline. To validate those changes the period 2001-2010 has been analyzed by means of aerial photogrammetry, and from 2011 through two measurement campaigns per year (autumn, spring), applying terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). A portion of 400 m long in the Somo beach has been selected for this work, coinciding with the profiles 1988-1993 and 2001-2010. The use of geomatic techniques (GNSS, total station, TLS and aerial photogrammetry) has made it possible to establish two temporal types of beach behavior. Periods characterized by moderate erosion and slow retreat of the sandy coastline: 1988-1993, 2001-2013, and stages of quick sandy coastline retreat: 1994-2000 and 2014. The period 1994-2000 is being studied. Continuous storms in 2014, with big waves (5 m above-average) and high tides, generated major erosion and retreat in the sandy coastline.