EROSION OF KASHIMA COAST DUE TO 2006 AUTUMN STORM EVENTS

Abstract

  A strong low-pressure system traveled along Japanese Main Island in October 2006. High waves and storm surge attacked Kashima Coast resulting huge erosion over the area. This study analyzes sand loss in sub-aerial zone of northern part, a stretch of approximately 38 km from Ooarai Port to Kashima Port, and of southern part, a strech of approximately 15 km from Kashima Port to Tone River, using airborne laser data measured in October 2005 and November 2006. Longshore distribution of cross sectional change has been estimated from the laser data. Eroded volumes of sub-aerial zone were estimated as 620,000 m³ for the northern part, and as 600,000 m³ for the southern part. Patterns of erosion were controlled by headlands, and by drainages at beaches without headlands.