High Resolution Shoreline and Shelly Ridge Monitoring over Stormy Winter Events: A Case Study in the Megatidal Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France)

A strong correlation was found between significant wave height and erosion rate, ranging from 0 to 60.9 meters, during two high-energy winter events in the megatidal Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France). This study highlights how coastal systems respond variably to stormy conditions depending on their geomorphic features. To investigate this, researchers employed a transdisciplinary approach combining in situ wave measurements with pressure sensors, topographical data acquisition using differential GPS, and high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery analysis. The salt marsh vegetation line and the inner margin of shelly ridges served as markers for tracking shoreline evolution during the events from February 18–24, 2015, and March 19–24, 2015. This method provides critical insights into coastal vulnerability, offering a more precise understanding than regional-scale studies.

Mury, A., Jeanson, M., Collin, A., James, D., & Etienne, S. (2019). High Resolution Shoreline and Shelly Ridge Monitoring over Stormy Winter Events: A Case Study in the Megatidal Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France). Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 7(4), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse7040097