Investigation of beaches suitable for nourishment in Rize Province, Turkey

Abstract

Black Sea Coast Motorway was recently built along the shore (about 600 km), and a number of beaches were destroyed. Now there are a couple of short beaches in Eastern Black Sea region. People need new beaches. On the other hand, in recent years, plateau and nature tourism have begun to gain an importance in the Eastern Black Sea. Recreational beaches together with nature tourism will be an option for tourists who intend to come to region. Additionally, sandy beaches will help to protect the new road from the waves. Due to the reasons, mentioned above, suitable beaches for nourishment were investigated in this study. Five regions have determined for this purpose in Rize province. One of them is in city centre at walking distance; another is 3 km away from city centre. One of them is in Iyidere town, and two of them are in Cayeli town. Profiles and bathymetric topography were determined. Onshore portions of beach were surveyed using standard survey levelling techniques. The hydrographic survey, for the offshore portion, was carried out with a small boat mounted echo-sounder. Distance from the beach was determined with a Total Station. Beach sand data were collected during surveys. Samples were collected at several cross-shore elevations across profiles, from dunes to closure depth. Sieve analyses were conducted for the sand samples. Measurements were performed with 6 months period. First measurements were conducted in October 2008, and second in June 2009 to see the summer versus winter beach profiles. Measurements will continue 6 months period for one year. According to the results, suitable beaches will determine for nourishment.