Reconstructing recent beach morphological changes by repeat photography - example of Zogon Beach on the Island of Hvar (Central Adriatic)

Abstract

The geomorphological system composed of a torrent and a beach on the Island of Hvar was analysed with the aim to define natural and anthropogenic processes which influence changes in beach morphology. Using repeat photography method, ortho-photo images and field mapping it was found that between the 60s of the last century and the present, the Zogon beach reduced in size by approximately 50%. The reduction of the beach size can be related to the recent anthropological activities in the wider study area particularly due to multiply filling of the torrent bed during construction works and minor land use changes, as well as due to natural reforestation which all cause a decrease in the supply of material to the beach. On the other hand, the reversal of the beach evolution in the observed period, which is, by definition the accumulative relief form, from the accumulative state or state of balance, to dominant erosion, can be associated with recent climate change and relative sea level rise.