Selective analysis of beach erosion at Għadira bay and some mitigation measures for proposed road networks

Abstract

Beach erosion has been happening since the beginning of time. It shaped the coastal landscape throughout the history. However, the migration of people towards the coast has turned the coastal erosion into an ever growing problem. Therefore one can say that the coastal erosion is a result of a combination of both natural and human factors. Amongst many problems found due to beach erosion the most important ones are the destruction of sand dunes, and the loss of the beaches (National Institute of Coastal and Marine Management, 2004). Mellieħa Bay can be considered sheltered by the headlands therefore waves in the inner part of the bay are generally small. Significant wave action happens during the periods of strong north-easterly winds. During these periods the winds blow sand onto the road. This causes a hazard to the traffic and furthermore the sand is lost forever once it goes onto the road (Pye, 2009). A proposal was carried out a few years ago regarding this road where it was stated that the road should be moved in order to avoid further beach erosion at Għadira Bay and also to avoid accidents in the area especially in summer. The aim of this project is to see what people think of the proposal and whether they agree that the route should be re-routed. At the same time their knowledge about some geographical features in the area will be tested. Other factors contributing to the beach erosion will also be pointed out in order to show that the road is not the only problem found at Ghadira.