Vulnerability of Coastal Areas Due to Infrastructure: The Case of Valencia Port (Spain)

The vulnerability of coastal areas is related to the existence and functionality infrastructure. Ports have had increased activity in last few decades due growing needs market. At same time, there been huge changes maritime traffic, some ports are specialized container traffic. port Valencia developed notably expansions, 1980s recent northern expansion. Valencia’s specializes has become a Mediterranean leader metropolitan area an important logistics center. can create erosion by altering wave patterns. environmental effects were analyzed. Spanish coastline as well morpho-dynamic units monitored. solid transport capacity north south was estimated, other infrastructure on sedimentary sources beaches also studied. barrier effect responsible for situation at south. This total impedes net sediment transport, predominantly along stretch coastline. However, not only factor this situation, lack continental sediments must be considered. In addition, climate change influence behavior coast morphology, variations littoral rates, erosion. To promote sustainable management, correction measures, such sand bypassing, dune rehabilitation, vegetation, proposed.