On the status and mechanisms of coastal erosion in Marawila Beach, Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

Research overview

Coastal erosion has been a serious threat to the properties and livelihoods of coastal communities on the western coast of Sri Lanka. Since the cause of the erosion was not fully investigated, there were arguments over the selection of countermeasures among beach users.
This study found that a decrease in sand supply from rivers was a main reason for the initiation of erosion in the 1980s. An increase in wave energy has become a main cause of coastal erosion since the 2010s. This study suggests the significance of integrated coastal erosion management for the sustainability of the coast and its users.

Publication

Ratnayakage, S. M. S., Sasaki, J., Suzuki, T., Jayaratne, R., Ranawaka, R. A. S. and Pathmasiri, S. On the status and mechanisms of coastal erosion in Marawila Beach, Sri Lanka. Natural Hazards, 2020. DOI (Preview)

Map and photos

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A revetment to protect the threatened or damaged houses due to beach erosion in Marawila

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An area of a tombolo behind a detached breakwater is utilized as a port for fishing boats.

One thought on “On the status and mechanisms of coastal erosion in Marawila Beach, Sri Lanka

  1. chulanga perera says:

    hi.

    I'm from Marawilla. my home town is Marawilla , Mudukatuwa the most effected area of this issue. I think this is because of climate change rapidly affection
    for our lives. Colombo and south India the most near by cities emitting more CO2 levels resulted for heat waves and increase in wave energy.wish to do more focus studies related to this environmental issue.

    Thanks.

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