Variations in the response of the dune coast of northern France to major storms as a function of available beach sediment volume

摘要: A series of airborne topographic LiDAR data were obtained from May 2008 to January 2014 over two coastal sites northern France (Bay Wissant and east Dunkirk). These used with wind tide gauge measurements assess the impacts storms on beaches dunes, particularly major that hit western Europe during fall early winter 2013. Our results show a high variability in shoreline response one site other, but also within each site. Coastal dune erosion retreat occurred at both sites, coast Bay where up about 40 m was measured. However, stability or even advance observed despite occurrence an extreme water level return period >100 years storm Xaver December Comparison change variations upper beach volumes revealed only weak relationships. nevertheless showed behavior seems strongly depend initial sediment volume before storms. According our measurements, 30 m3 m−1 between toe mean is sufficient these protect dunes waves associated levels periods >10 years. The identification such thresholds terms width may represent valuable information for improving management by providing estimate minimum quantity sand necessary ensure this region. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.