academic studies and experience
selected research
journals and collective volumes
We explore the longshore variability of the morphological features, plant community distribution and accumulation patterns of a dune segment. Integrated results from different timescales document strong differences, with two distinct dune configurations or ecogeomorphic states identified in close proximity.
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This study investigates the recent lateral and volumetric changes of the Ria Formosa lagoon marshes, in terms of past (1947-2014) geomorphological evolution and of its potential future adjustment to sea-level rise (~100 years). We highlight the influence of both stressors and examine how their interactions can contribute to understanding future changes and resilience of lagoon marshes.
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Short-term beach morphodynamics are typically modelled solely through storm-induced erosion, disregarding post-storm recovery, even though the full cycle of beach profile response is critical for even longer temporal scales. We simulate morphodynamic changes from the incidence and post-storm recovery of Faro Beach from the Emma storm.
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Dune growth capacity is evaluated analysing topographical changes observed along a coastal dune over two different temporal scales. Spatiotemporal variability in wind fetch and forcing, alone, fail to explain alongshore dune growth patterns, while optimal dune growth occurs under strong winds, combined with low runup, over zones of shoreline progradation
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Novel methodology, based on identifying barrier states and related threshold crossings and on reconstructing the resilience trajectories of barrier islands, thus expressing the spatiotemporal changes in resilience topography (resilience dimensions and barrier stable states), in response to external conditions and internal barrier organisation
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Resilience has been used over a wide range of scientific fields and often ambiguously, causing confusion and misconceptions, even within the same scientific discipline. Starting by providing clarifications and definitions of the main terminology and key principles of ecological resilience theory, we pass on to expressing them through geomorphic dimensions of barrier islands.
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