Shoreline Evolution and Environmental Changes at the NW Area of the Gulf of Gela (Sicily, Italy)

Coastal areas are among the most biologically productive, dynamic and valued ecosystems on Earth. They subject to changes that greatly vary in scale, time duration additional pressures resulting from anthropogenic activities. The aim of this work was investigate shoreline evolution main environmental coastal stretch between towns Licata Gela (in Gulf Gela, Sicily, Italy). methodology used included analysis of: (i) over long- medium-term periods (1955–2019 1989–2019, respectively), (ii) dune system fragmentation (iii) impact structures (harbours breakwaters) evolution. change mainly showed a negative trend both periods, with maximum retreat 3.87 m/year detected period down-drift harbour. However, few kilometres eastward harbour, significant accretion registered where set breakwaters emplaced. Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE) depositional phenomena occurred during decade 1955 1966, whereas progressive constant erosion observed 1966 1989 response increasing armouring.