GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON BEACH MORPHODYNAMICS (WESTERN SARDINIA, MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

The role of geomorphological controls along beaches of western Sardina were investigated along 6 beach. Beach morphological data were collected along profiles by using a Differential Global Positioning Sistem (DGPS), beach sediment data were collected by hand corer and grab samples and analyzed for grainsize and composition. The main outcome derived from this study is that the sediment availability is the factor that main control the investigated beach morphodynamics. Where large amount of sediments are available large linear multibarred beaches with extended dune fields develop. Where sediments are low the geological control becomes relevant and influencing the beaches behavior. Furthermore Posidonia oceanica meadows influences beaches in terms of carbonate sediment production and providing material available for the cross shore exchanges on low energy beach.