Combined Use of Optical and SAR Images for Mapping Coastal Erosion Risk

This study demonstrates the use of a novel satellite remote sensing approach to map coastal erosion vulnerability in the Italian site of Piscinas (Sardinia). We focused on the land/water transitional ecosystem, to identify potential coastal erosion phenomena. For this analysis, a synergistic approach between multi-spectral satellite data (Sentinel-2) and SAR imagery (COSMO-SkyMed and Sentinel-1B) was exploited. Two vulnerability maps were created: one long-term (2016-2018) and one short-term (wind event). The results confirm how the coastal vulnerability of this site seems to be linked to episodic events, consequently, the dune system of Piscinas might be considered safe from coastal erosion processes.