{rfName}
Th

Indexed in

License and Use

Icono OpenAccess

Altmetrics

Analysis of institutional authors

Fernandez-Hernandez, MartaCorresponding AuthorIglesias, LuisAuthorOrtega, José JoaquínAuthorParedes, CarlosAuthorCastedo, RicardoAuthor

Share

August 28, 2025
Publications
>
Article
Sí

The Influence of Hard Protection Structures on Shoreline Evolution in Riohacha, Colombia

Publicated to: Applied Sciences-Basel. 15 (14): 8119- - 2025-07-21 15(14), DOI: 10.3390/app15148119

Authors:

Fernandez-Hernandez, Marta; Iglesias, Luis; Escobar, Jairo; Ortega, Jose Joaquin; Perez-Montiel, Jhonny Isaac; Paredes, Carlos; Castedo, Ricardo
[+]

Affiliations

Univ La Guajira, Fac Ingn, Riohacha 440007, Colombia - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, ETSI Minas & Energia, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, coastal erosion has become an increasingly critical issue worldwide, and Colombia's Caribbean coast is no exception. In urban areas, this challenge is further complicated by hard protection structures, which, while often implemented as immediate solutions, can disrupt sediment transport and trigger unintended long-term consequences. This study examines shoreline changes in Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira Department, over a 35-year period (1987-2022), focusing on the impacts of coastal protection structures-specifically, the construction of seven groins and a seawall between 2006 and 2009-on coastal dynamics. Using twelve images (photographs and satellite) and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), the evolution of both beaches and cliffs has been analyzed. The results reveal a dramatic shift in shoreline behavior: erosion rates of approximately 0.5 m/year prior to the interventions transitioned to accretion rates of up to 11 m/year within the groin field, where rapid infill occurred. However, this sediment retention has exacerbated erosion in downstream cliff areas, with retreat rates reaching 1.8 +/- 0.2 m/year. To anticipate future coastal evolution, predictive models were applied through 2045, providing insights into potential risks for infrastructure and urban development. These findings highlight the need for a strategic, long-term approach to coastal management that considers both the benefits and unintended consequences of engineering interventions.
[+]

Keywords

AdaptatioBeachCaribbean coastCoastal erosionColombiaCritical issuesErosionHard protectionJettiesLand managementLand managementsLand useLandformsPrediction modelPrediction modellingPrediction modelsProtection structureSediment transportShore protectionShoreline changeShoreline evolutionsUrban areasUrban growthUrban transportation

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Applied Sciences-Basel due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 50/179, thus managing to position itself as a Q2 (Segundo Cuartil), in the category Engineering, Multidisciplinary. Notably, the journal is positioned en el Cuartil Q2 para la agencia Scopus (SJR) en la categoría Engineering (Miscellaneous).

[+]

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-26:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 18 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
    • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/95521/

    As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

    • Views: 9
    • Downloads: 2
    [+]

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Colombia.

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (FERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, MARTA) and Last Author (CASTEDO RUIZ, RICARDO).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been FERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, MARTA.

    [+]

    Project objectives

    La aportación persigue los siguientes objetivos: analizar la evolución de la línea de costa en Riohacha durante el período 1987-2022; evaluar el impacto de las estructuras de protección costera construidas entre 2006 y 2009 sobre la dinámica litoral; caracterizar los cambios en las tasas de erosión y acreción en playas y acantilados mediante imágenes y el sistema DSAS; determinar las consecuencias no intencionadas de la retención sedimentaria en áreas adyacentes; aplicar modelos predictivos para anticipar la evolución costera hasta 2045; y proporcionar recomendaciones para una gestión costera estratégica y sostenible que equilibre beneficios y riesgos.
    [+]

    Most relevant results

    El estudio analiza la evolución de la línea de costa en Riohacha, Colombia, durante 35 años (1987-2022), evaluando el impacto de estructuras de protección construidas entre 2006 y 2009. Los resultados más relevantes son: 1) la tasa de erosión previa a las intervenciones fue de aproximadamente 0,5 m/año; 2) tras la construcción de siete espigones y un malecón, se observó una tasa de acreción de hasta 11 m/año en el área protegida por los espigones; 3) la retención de sedimentos incrementó la erosión en acantilados aguas abajo, con una tasa de retroceso de 1,8 ± 0,2 m/año; 4) modelos predictivos proyectan la evolución costera hasta 2045, indicando riesgos potenciales para la infraestructura y el desarrollo urbano.
    [+]

    Awards linked to the item

    This research has been conducted under the competitive project titled "Ayuda en el desarrollo tecnologico y cientifico para la estimacion de los cambios morfologicos de la costa de Riohacha, Departamento de la Guajira, Colombia", funded by the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid in the program XXIV Call for Actions to Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals ("XXIV Convocatoria UPM para acciones para contribuir al cumplimiento de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible") and cofunded by the Universidad de la Guajira.
    [+]