Appearance of dunes, sandy beaches will soon change: study



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Scientists confirmed that the appearance of dunes and sandy beaches was about to change due to the increase in emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere .

The results were published in the journal Climatic Change.

A study conducted by the University of Venice in collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR-IAS) of Oristano badyzed the chain reaction of effects on the marine environment caused by the increase in CO2 emissions. They estimated that between 2018 and 2100, sediment accumulation at the base of the Mediterranean dune systems could fall by 31%, with erosion of beaches, which would increase the risks of erosion. ;flood.

"Far from the mouth of the carbonate sediments produced by marine ecosystems, for example underwater meadows of Posidonia oceanica, can form river systems and dune beaches," in whole or in part ", said lead researcher Simone Simeone

" These sediments could be dissolved by the increasing acidity of the seas; according to recent studies, the marine pH would have decreased by 0.4 unit by the end of the century, causing ocean acidification, as is known, to increase levels ] Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, "added Simone

Research has also revealed that the effects of this phenomenon can distort the sediment balance of a dune and beach system. 19659007] "The significant amount of the sedimentary form The system of beaches and dunes consists of the remains of organisms vulnerable to the effects of acidification. A drop in pH could significantly affect the prevalence of these organisms in marine ecosystems and, as a result, reduce carbonate sediments, "Simeone added.

Another senior researcher, Emanuela Molinaroli, concluded sediment balance could be disturbed

"Some progressively developing beaches or stable environments can turn into eroding environments. In addition, this research shows that the effect of acidification on the beach-dune system, badociated with the expected rise in sea level, will lead to a new shrinkage of the coastline and the adverse effects of flooding, "added Mr. Molinaroli,

(This story was not changed by the staff of Business Standard and is generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)

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