Morphodynamics of a Breakwater-Protected Sandspit: 16 Years of Digital Elevation Models

Sand spits are common dynamic features in river inlets that may protect river margins and communities from ocean storm wave and impacts. The morphodynamics of the estuarine spit of the Douro river was studied to assess the spits reaction to the extension and construction of breakwaters, aimed at spit stabilization. Since the intervention, the spit has almost doubled in volume, growing predominantly towards the new detached breakwater in the west. However, this growth has decelerated in recent years, suggesting that the spit is reaching a stable state.