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A free software for sand and gravel embayed beach modelling: PhoEbuS- parabolic equation shape

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Abstract

An in-depth knowledge of the littoral system is essential for its conservation and for an accurate planning of due interventions. The parabolic bay shape equation, used to study the embayed beach planform, is a qualitatively assessed instrument to obtain information about beach equilibrium conditions. Nowadays the equation has been extended in order to be applicable not only to sand beaches but also to gravel beaches. In this paper Phoebus user-friendly software for an automatic use of the extended parabolic bay shape equation is presented. The software enables both technical experts and non-professionals to conduct expeditious analysis in order to evaluate the evolution and equilibrium conditions of embayed littoral beaches lying between natural headlands or man-made structures, as well as to artificially recreate stable embayed beaches by building new artificial structures on open beaches. The software can be also used for coastal planning, to anticipate beach modifications in response to new building or to changes in pre-existing structures.

Highlights

  1. 1.

    Development of a free software to automatically compute embayed beach planform

  2. 2.

    The system can be used on every type of beach image

  3. 3.

    The software allows to display the planform both for sand and gravel beaches

  4. 4.

    Software reliability was demonstrated for natural and artificial bay beaches

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr Francesca Baggio for English revision and translation. Aerial orthophotos courtesy of Google Earth™ and Regione Liguria.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DISTAV, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Chiara F. Schiaffino & Marco Ferrari

  2. Naval, ICT and Electrical Engineering Department (DITEN), EMC & Power Systems Group, University of Genoa, Via Opera Pia 11a, 16145, Genova, Italy

    Massimo Brignone

Authors
  1. Chiara F. Schiaffino
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  2. Massimo Brignone
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  3. Marco Ferrari
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chiara F. Schiaffino.

Additional information

Communicated by: H. A. Babaie

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Schiaffino, C.F., Brignone, M. & Ferrari, M. A free software for sand and gravel embayed beach modelling: PhoEbuS- parabolic equation shape. Earth Sci Inform 6, 165–173 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12145-013-0122-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12145-013-0122-6

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