Geoadria, Vol. 30 No. 1, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15291/geoadria.4720
Analysis of anthropogenic impact on morphological changes of beaches in Podgora (Central Adriatic, Croatia)
Marin Mićunović
orcid.org/0000-0003-0186-5527
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Lana Vukelić
orcid.org/0009-0007-5647-8790
; Installation and Metal Construction Assembly Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Faivre
orcid.org/0000-0001-7610-1164
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Coastal areas are subject to strong geomorphological changes, making beaches among the most vulnerable coastal landforms. Due to increasing pressure from tourism and urbanisation, the stability of beaches is often affected by anthropogenic interventions including sediment nourishment and the construction of coastal structures. This paper analyses the long-term morphological changes (over the last 72 years) on three beaches in the Podgora area: Minerva, Plišivac, and Frara, with the aim of quantifying the impact of anthropogenic activities on shoreline dynamics and beach area. The methods used include the analysis of archival aerial photographs and satellite images (1951–2023), as well as drone images from 2022 and 2023. The images were processed and analysed using ArcGIS Pro software. The results show that the anthropogenically reshaped beaches (Minerva and Plišivac) are prone to significant surface fluctuations and shoreline shifts, while the natural Frara beach has more stable morphodynamics. Plišivac and Minerva expanded through nourishment interventions, which periodically increased their surface area by about 1,500 m² and 3,000 m², respectively, but at the same time required continuous maintenance due to pronounced erosion processes. The analysis reveals that anthropogenic interventions can have counterproductive effects by increasing sediment instability and the need for frequent care. Sustainable coastal management should consider detailed geomorphological analyses to reduce the
need for repeated interventions and ensure the long-term preservation of beaches.
Keywords
geomorphology; remote sensing; GIS; Makarska riviera; tourism; coasts
Hrčak ID:
333396
URI
Publication date:
30.8.2025.
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