28238 - Integrated Management of Coastal Areas

Learning outcomes

The student will learn the main processes involved in coastal morphodynamic and will achieve knowledge of interdisciplinary problems related to coastal management. The student will be able to apply approaches, both regulatory and technological, for an integrated management of coastal zones.

Course contents

Introduction: coastal zone definition and classification.

Coastal geomorphology: rocky and sandy coasts; main processes and control factors; fluivial-, wave-, and tide- dominated coastal environments (deltas, estuaries, shoreface, beaches and barriers)

Main hydrodynamic processes in coastal area: waves, tides, currents, sea level.

Coastal morphodynamics: morphological and hydrodynamic beach profiles; sediment properties and sediment dynamics.

Monitoring of coastal environments: integration, advantages and limitations of different techniques.

Coastal risks: Risks associated with rocky and sandy coasts; coastal erosion (natural and anthropogenic causes, possible management strategies); coastal resilience; adaptation and mitigation actions.

Coastal defences: rigid and soft coastal defences; approaches and good practices of sustainable management in coastal area.

ICZM-MSP approaches: Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Maritime Spatial Planning approaches for protection, management and sustainable use of resources in coastal and marine environments; reference legislation; ongoing projects and examples from the Emilia-Romagna Region.

IWRM: Integrated Management of Water Resources in coastal area: principles and applications.

Coastal databases and geoportals: EMODnet, Copernicus, RER database, etc.

Readings/Bibliography

Power point slides will be available to students on the specific website (Virtuale UNIBO).

Recommended texts:

Pranzini E., 2004. The shape of the coasts. Zanichelli.

Davidson-Arnott R., Bauer B, Houser C. 2019. Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. 2° Edition, Cambridge University Press

Other readings will be indicated as supplementary material during the lectures.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 6 CFU.

The teaching strategy will be based on lectures explaining coastal definitions and classifications; coastal morphodynamic and main coastal risks, such as sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, etc. The course will provide an understanding of coastal zone planning and management by covering principles and tools of ICZM, as well as IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management).

The course also includes laboratories, a workshop held by experts working in the field of coastal management, and a field trip along the Emilia-Romagna coast to observe examples of good practises, solutions, interventions, etc.

Assessment methods

The assessment method will be based on a panel discussion where each student will present a case study (power point presentation), focusing on the main topics of the course. The project will have to include suggestions of best practices, strategies and guideline to promote the sustainable coastal management of the study area or to promote an efficient water management of the study area. Professor and classmates will actively participate to the discussion by asking questions.

15’ oral presentation + 5’ discussion

Teaching tools

Power point slides, scientific papers

Laboratories

Workshop

Field trip along the Emilia-Romagna coast

Office hours

See the website of Beatrice Maria Sole Giambastiani

See the website of Bruno Campo