Revolutionizing Beach Defense: Submerged Berms Transform Low-Energy Sandy Beaches
Submerged berms are eco-friendly coastal defense structures increasingly used for beach nourishment. A study on West Beach in China analyzed how the beach profiles changed after a nourishment project in 2010. The berm and submerged berm were the most active parts, while the rest remained stable. The submerged berm's shape shifted from symmetrical to asymmetrical due to wave energy dissipation. The study also identified patterns in the beach profiles over time. A new equilibrium beach profile form was developed for low-energy beaches with submerged berms. These findings help understand how beaches evolve and can guide future nourishment projects in similar conditions.