Characterization of the Morphological Behavior of a Sand Spit Using UAVs

Sand spits are common in wave-dominated environments; with enough sand supply, they can evolve to affect circulation and navigation channels or inlets. The focus of this paper is on the channel Sisal Port, located northwestern Yucatan Peninsula (YP) coast, where a spit grew was monitored from its formation (June 2018) until practically blocked (November 2018). YP coast characterized as being microtidal, significant wave heights ranging 0.1 0.4 m (April September), presence high energy events (cold fronts storms), waves reach up 2.5 offshore at 10 depth (October February). Prior beginning UAV surveys, we used photos (June–July stationary field camera hydrodynamic data models (WaveWatch III for MARV software tidal levels) generate qualitative description channel. Combining products UAVs flights (DEMs) measurements (wave flux), behavior response spit, near jetty head, through consolidation October 2018, when cold front HS ∼2.5 breached it mid-November. results show that takes place during calm conditions (e.g., periods dominated by sea breezes), depending threshold energetic events, new will consolidate be breached. Migration related overwash changes direction. presented methodology provides well-rounded tool characterizing morphological shallow which useful improving coastal management.