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Journal of Tropical Oceanography

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Morphodynamic evolution of an Artificial Beach on Shajing Island under the influence of Large-Scale Engineering Projects

LI Jianming1, LAN Donglin2, YANG Dongwei2, LI Shushi2,3, 4, 5, LIANG Xixing2, WANG Mengzhu1, XU Meihao2, MAO Mingyi6    

  1. 1. College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China

    2. College of Resources and Environment, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China

    3. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Disaster Processes and Ecological Protection Technology, Qinzhou 535011, China

    4. Guangxi Field Scientific Observation and Research Station for the Estuary and Bay Ecosystem of the Pinglu Canal, Qinzhou 535000, China

    5. Beibu Gulf Marine Development Research Center (Beibu Gulf University), Qinzhou 535011, China

    6. School of Geography and Planning, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530000, China


  • Received:2026-04-06 Revised:2026-07-16 Accepted:2026-07-23
  • Supported by:

    National Natural Science Foundation of China (42366008); Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (2025GXNSFHA069274); 2025 Provincial University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project(S202511607209)

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Abstract: The artificial beach of Shajing Island is located at the outlet of the Pinglu Canal and represents a typical coastal zone significantly influenced by large-scale engineering construction. Based on high-resolution remote sensing images from 2019 to 2025, UAV survey data from 2020 to 2025, and Landsat imagery from 2018 to 2025, this study integrates UAV photogrammetry, random forest classification, digital shoreline analysis, and remote sensing inversion to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and processes of the artificial beach’s depositional geomorphology. The results indicate that: (1) under the influence of the Pinglu Canal construction, sediment deposition on the beach has been significantly enhanced. During 2023–2025, the total deposition volume reached 27,912.56 m³, which is substantially higher than that before the project. For every 1% increase in the proportion of suspended sediment concentration within the range of 24–35 mg·L⁻¹, the beach accretion increased by 910.33 m³. Although the observation period is relatively short, the long-term effect is expected to be more pronounced. In addition, tidal dynamics promote the development of beach troughs and increase shoreline sinuosity. (2) Prior to the construction of the Pinglu Canal (2020–2022), vegetation recovery progressively encroached upon the beach, resulting in an average annual reduction of approximately 103,748.5 m². Under the influence of the canal construction, the shoreline exhibited a clear seaward progradation trend, which offset the impact of vegetation recovery and maintained a relatively stable beach area during 2023–2025. Specifically, for every 1% increase in suspended sediment concentration within the range of 24–35 mg·L⁻¹, the shoreline advanced seaward by approximately 0.6 m. During extreme events, such as typhoons, intense localized erosion can occur over short periods. Overall, the construction of the Pinglu Canal has promoted seaward accretion of the artificial beach. Meanwhile, typhoon events and vegetation dynamics jointly influence the geomorphological evolution of the beach. These findings provide a scientific basis for artificial beach maintenance and coastal engineering management.

Key words: artificial beach, sedimentary geomorphology, remote sensing inversion, Pinglu Canal