Impact of fluvial hydraulic structures (jetties) on coastal dynamics. Case of study: Magdalena River mouth, Colombia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26640/22159045.2025.652Keywords:
Coastal erosion River discharge Sediment transportAbstract
This study analyses coastal erosion processes in the Magdalena River delta, based on the analysis of satellite images and aerial photographs from the last 30 years. Evidence suggests that the construction of the Bocas de Ceniza jetties in 1935 has been a key factor in the coastal erosion processes to the west of the river. Using satellite images and nautical charts from the time, the evolution and changes in the coast of the Magdalena River delta, as well as its main coastal landforms (Mallorquín swamp, Isla Verde spit, and Puerto Velero spit), are documented.
The results show that between 1935 and 2022, to the east of the jetties, accretion has been limited (+387 ha) by the extension of the coastal structures, while erosion has affected an area further east (+1600 ha). To the west of the jetties, erosion has been even more pronounced (-3336 ha), causing a 24.6 km retreat of the coastline from the river mouth and the disappearance of Isla Verde. This change in the morphology of the coast and seabed allowed sedimentation and the formation of the Puerto Velero spit (+374 ha), which continues to grow, although erosion (-163 ha) is observed downdrift.
The application of Hsu’s parabolic equation indicates that the coastline of the Mallorquín Bar has reached a state of static equilibrium, suggesting nearly zero net sediment transport and a decrease in sediment supply to the west. This could increase the vulnerability of the Puerto Velero spit to erosion, as its growth still depends on sediment from the northeast. Thus, the stability of the Mallorquín Bar could affect the future evolution of this coastal spit.
Historical analysis also confirms the presence of dense mangrove ecosystems in the area before the channelling works at the Magdalena River mouth. However, this natural protection was insufficient to prevent the loss of 2,566 ha, suggesting that mangroves cease to provide effective coastal protection when their sediment retention capacity diminishes due to an interrupted sediment supply. In contrast, the formation and growth of the Puerto Velero spit were not hindered by the absence of these ecosystems, reaching an area of 374 ha with a growth rate of approximately 141 m/year. In conclusion, mangroves represent a nature-based solution for coastal protection that will only be effective if the sediment supply is restored.
This study analyses coastal erosion processes in the Magdalena River delta, based on the analysis of satellite images and aerial photographs from the last 30 years. Evidence suggests that the construction of the Bocas de Ceniza jetties in 1935 has been a key factor in the coastal erosion processes to the west of the river. Using satellite images and nautical charts from the time, the evolution and changes in the coast of the Magdalena River delta, as well as its main coastal landforms (Mallorquín swamp, Isla Verde spit, and Puerto Velero spit), are documented.
The results show that between 1935 and 2022, to the east of the jetties, accretion has been limited (+387 ha) by the extension of the coastal structures, while erosion has affected an area further east (+1600 ha). To the west of the jetties, erosion has been even more pronounced (-3336 ha), causing a 24.6 km retreat of the coastline from the river mouth and the disappearance of Isla Verde. This change in the morphology of the coast and seabed allowed sedimentation and the formation of the Puerto Velero spit (+374 ha), which continues to grow, although erosion (-163 ha) is observed downdrift.
The application of Hsu’s parabolic equation indicates that the coastline of the Mallorquín Bar has reached a state of static equilibrium, suggesting nearly zero net sediment transport and a decrease in sediment supply to the west. This could increase the vulnerability of the Puerto Velero spit to erosion, as its growth still depends on sediment from the northeast. Thus, the stability of the Mallorquín Bar could affect the future evolution of this coastal spit.
Historical analysis also confirms the presence of dense mangrove ecosystems in the area before the channelling works at the Magdalena River mouth. However, this natural protection was insufficient to prevent the loss of 2,566 ha, suggesting that mangroves cease to provide effective coastal protection when their sediment retention capacity diminishes due to an interrupted sediment supply. In contrast, the formation and growth of the Puerto Velero spit were not hindered by the absence of these ecosystems, reaching an area of 374 ha with a growth rate of approximately 141 m/year. In conclusion, mangroves represent a nature-based solution for coastal protection that will only be effective if the sediment supply is restored.
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