Characterisation of the sediment dynamics of Hac-Sa beach, Macao

The recent evolution of the physics of Hac-Sá beach system is characterised based on the analysis, processment and interrelation of different types of field data and mathematical modelling of the hydrodynamic and sediment dynamics processes. The methodology established was primarily the analysis and quantification of the natural agents that intervene in the beach dynamics, followed by the evaluation of the major beach dynamics processes and their interaction mechanisms and finally, the assessment of the recent evolution of the system. During the last two decades, the significant morphological changes occurred in the coastal area of Hac-Sá beach and the land reclamation works at the north and south headlands of Hac-Sá bay introduced changes in the nearshore wave propagation, that together with the progressive occupation of the beach backshore zone with infrastructures and other constructions affected the shoreline equilibrium.