Dynamic evolution of a boulder beach in southern Galicia using RFID sensors during 2016-2025 period

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17735/cyg.v39i3-4.117549

Keywords:

boulder beach; Galicia; coastal variations

Abstract

Technological advancements over the past decades have significantly improved our understanding of coastal dynamics. This research focuses on a 400 m-long boulder beach located on the southern coast of Galicia. In 2016, radio-frequency sensors (RFID) were embedded in 80 boulders to track their individual movement vectors. Since then, and after eight field monitoring surveys, displacements of up to 38 meters have been recorded in boulders weighing more than 140 kg. This research emphasizes the possible uses of this methodology for analyzing coastal dynamics and for linking observed changes to both marine (storms intensity and recurrence) and continental factors. T These sensors have proven highly effective in capturing dynamics within energetic environments such as boulder beaches. During the study period, displacement rates tended to decrease, often due to the burial or blocking of monitored boulders.

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Published

2025-12-16

Issue

Section

Reasearch Papers