Micha Klein | University of Haifa (original) (raw)

Papers by Micha Klein

Research paper thumbnail of והים איננו מלא Yet the Sea Is not Full

Social Science Research Network, Feb 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental study of sediment transport along the central Mediterranean coast of Israel by means of fluorescent sand tracers

The method of labeled natural sand particles was used to study sediment transport along the centr... more The method of labeled natural sand particles was used to study sediment transport along the central Mediterranean coast of Israel. Six portions of 300 kg each were tagged with various fluorescent colors and distributed at six different locations in the vicinity of the Herzliya Marina. The tagged sand was scattered at the end of autumn, and sampled three times during

Research paper thumbnail of A note on: Isostasy, dynamic equilibrium, continents and time

Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of catchment size on runoff relationships — A comment

Journal of Hydrology, 1984

Pilgrim et al. (1982) question the validity of extrapolating small-basin hydrological and geomorp... more Pilgrim et al. (1982) question the validity of extrapolating small-basin hydrological and geomorphological data to large basins and vice versa. They conclude in their abstract that: "while general relationships will exist between small and large catchments in a region, no simple or closely defined relations are likely"

Research paper thumbnail of Dissolved material transport—the flushing effect in surface and subsurface flow

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1981

The study deals with the relationship between specific conductance and water flow in a small catc... more The study deals with the relationship between specific conductance and water flow in a small catchment. Three flow types were studied: (a) channel flow; (b) overland flow; (c) subsurface flow. The study of the three flow types demonstrates the important role of the flushing effect in small basins. The flushing effect is seen as an increase in water conductivity in the early stage of an event. Flushing is probably a function of accumulation in the basin. Accumulation is best defined as a function of time elapsing since the last heavy rain. The study has been carried out in the School of Geography at Leeds University, Leeds LS2 9JT, England.

Research paper thumbnail of Channel width—drainage area relations in small basins

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1983

The measurement of stream channels in basins less than 3 km2 shows compound relations between wid... more The measurement of stream channels in basins less than 3 km2 shows compound relations between width and area. Break points in the relations may be attributed to the changing contribution of rapid storm flow and to the effect of bed material size.

Research paper thumbnail of The Environmental Impact of the Gaza Strip Coastal

ZVIELY, D. and KLEIN, M., 2003. The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions.... more ZVIELY, D. and KLEIN, M., 2003. The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions. Journal of Coastal Research, 19(4), 1122-1127. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN' 0749-0208. The first major coastal project in the Gaza Strip that followed the signing of the Oslo agreement was the building of a fishing harbor in the city of Gaza (1994-1999) (Figure 1). Current plans call for additional large-scale coastal construction. Yet this coastal construction in the Gaza Strip will interfere with the natural longshore sediment transport toward the Israeli coast. Sedimentological models predict resulting coastal erosion that will extend north of Gaza City to southern Israel. The proposed solution is a beach nourishment and/or a sand bypass system, which would transfer the sand that accumulates south of the coastal construction to the affected areas in the north. A memorandum signed between representatives of the Palestinian Authority and the Government of the State of Israel (2...

Research paper thumbnail of Longshore sand transport estimates along the Mediterranean coast of Israel in the Holocene

Marine Geology, 2007

The Nile littoral cell, one of the world's longest, runs 650 km along the southeastern Mediterran... more The Nile littoral cell, one of the world's longest, runs 650 km along the southeastern Mediterranean, from Abu Quir Bay near Alexandria, Egypt, to Haifa Bay on the northern Israeli coast. Haifa Bay constitutes the northernmost final depositional sink of Nile-derived quartz sand, transported from the Nile delta by longshore currents generated by approaching breaking waves. The northward net sand transport along the Mediterranean coast of Israel results from larger waves approaching from west-southwest and southwest compared to their counterparts from westnorth-west and northwest. This study utilizes an extensive new database gathered from sediment drill cores, marine geophysical maps and field observations to measure the volume of sand deposited in Haifa Bay and the adjacent Zevulun Plain during the Holocene. It then compares this volume to recent data, including measurements of sand accumulation along Haifa Port's main breakwater (constructed in the southern entrance of the bay) as well as longshore sand transport estimates along the northern Carmel coast. Research findings estimate the annual average quantity of sand transported to Haifa Bay throughout the period at 80,000-90,000 m 3. The findings further conclude that this amount has not changed appreciably over the past 75 years. Evaluating calculated values over the long term, it is suggested that the characteristics of longshore sand transport along the coast of Israel have not changed significantly during the past 7900-8500 years. It is obvious that this conjecture should be treated with reservations.

Research paper thumbnail of Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Earth Surf

Research indicates that the aeolianite (Kurkar) cliffs along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline ... more Research indicates that the aeolianite (Kurkar) cliffs along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline have continuously retreated eastward during the last few decades. There seems to be no dispute among Earth scientists regarding the general trend of cliff retreat. However the majority of papers displaying cliff retreat rates are based upon comparison of aerial photographs. Their lack of advanced geometric measurement methods causes a high margin of error. Public attention is focused upon the Beit-Yannay coastal cliff since private homes are located along the southern section of the cliff crest. The current research compares the historic location of the cliff crest edge at Beit-Yannay as observed in a series of aerial photographs taken during the period 1918-2000. Quantitative measurement methods included applications of satellite geodesy and digital photogrammetry and mapping. Research results offer quantitative, consecutive and highly accurate data regarding retreat rates over a relati...

Research paper thumbnail of Two artificial anchorages off the Dead Sea north shore: a ground aid to navigation on an inland lake

Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing w... more Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing winds, endangered navigation on the Dead Sea and prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations. A recently discovered artificial stone mound off the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime-related archaeological find exposed by the drying out of the lake. The construction of this site and another site nearby inside the lake away from its historic shore was intended to create an open-water mooring designed to overcome some of the for cited challenges. In turn they allowed the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of archaeological waterlogged wooden objects exposed on the hyper-saline Dead Sea shore

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2016

Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evide... more Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evidence of degradation when first exposed, and after prolonged exposure and dehydration. An investigation on the state of preservation of this material was recognised as a necessary step towards its long-term conservation. Micromorphological observations, ATR FTIR, ash content, and physical tests showed that deterioration is limited and is mostly non-biological in nature. Natural bulking and impregnation with lake minerals and salts appear to play a significant role in the physical stability of these woods when dried, and apparently inhibit microbial colonization and subsequent degradation. In contrast, archaeological wood examined from a typical Mediterranean marine environment showed advanced stages of degradation by bacteria, with the wood structure extensively compromised.

Research paper thumbnail of Holocene evolution of the Haifa Bay area, Israel, and its influence on ancient tell settlements

The Holocene, 2006

... yr BP (Fairbanks, 1989; Bard et al., 1990, 1996; Antonioli and Oliverio, 1996; Lambeck and Ba... more ... yr BP (Fairbanks, 1989; Bard et al., 1990, 1996; Antonioli and Oliverio, 1996; Lambeck and Bard, 2000; Lambeck et al., 2002, 2004) and the coastline shifted eastward to about 14 km west to the present-day coastline in Haifa Bay. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The change in flood regime along the Lower Jordan River: Its influence on flood plain land use

IAHS-AISH Publication, 2005

... The LJR flood plain is not inhabited and the population lives outside the area, yet theflood ... more ... The LJR flood plain is not inhabited and the population lives outside the area, yet theflood plain is used for agricultural purposes. ... Hence, floods occurring in the upper Jordan River have no direct impact on the LJR (Marwan & Klein, 2002). ...

Research paper thumbnail of Two Artificial Anchorages off the Northern Shore of the Dead Sea: a specific feature of an ancient maritime cultural landscape

International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2014

A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime ... more A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime feature exposed by the drying of the lake. Lake-level fluctuations, a loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and onshore prevailing winds, prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations in this area. This and a similar mound nearby, Rujum el Bahr, are interpreted as structures once used for open-water mooring, providing a firm anchor-hold over a range of lake levels and wind directions. As such, they enabled the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Two artificial anchorages off the Dead Sea north shore: a ground aid to navigation on an inland lake

Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing w... more Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore
prevailing winds, endangered navigation on the Dead Sea and prevented the long-term planning,
construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations. A recently discovered
artificial stone mound off the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime-related archaeological
find exposed by the drying out of the lake. The construction of this site and
another site nearby inside the lake away from its historic shore was intended to create an
open-water mooring designed to overcome some of the for cited challenges. In turn they allowed
the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime
traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Two Artificial Anchorages off the Northern Shore of the Dead Sea: a specific feature of an ancient maritime cultural landscape

A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime ... more A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime feature exposed by the drying of the lake. Lake-level fluctuations, a loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and onshore prevailing winds, prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations in this area. This and a similar mound nearby, Rujum el Bahr, are interpreted as structures once used for open-water mooring, providing a firm anchor-hold over a range of lake levels and wind directions. As such, they enabled the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of archaeological waterlogged wooden objects exposed on the hyper-saline Dead Sea shore

Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evide... more Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evidence of degradation when first exposed, and after prolonged exposure and dehydration. An investigation on the state of preservation of this material was recognised as a necessary step towards its long-term conservation. Micromorphological observations, ATR FTIR, ash content, and physical tests showed that deterioration is limited and is mostly non-biological in nature. Natural bulking and impregnation with lake minerals and salts appear to play a significant role in the physical stability of these woods when dried, and apparently inhibit microbial colo-nization and subsequent degradation. In contrast, archaeological wood examined from a typical Mediterranean marine environment showed advanced stages of degradation by bacteria, with the wood structure extensively compromised.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Drainage Basin Area on Dominant Flow and Meander Wavelength

Research paper thumbnail of The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions

Journal of Coastal Research, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Shoreline migration and beach-nearshore sand balance over the last 200 years in Haifa Bay (SE Mediterranean)

Geo Marine Letters, Apr 1, 2009

Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean co... more Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast during the late Holocene. However, very few of these studies include quantitative data covering the last 200 years. In this study, topographical maps, nautical charts and aerial photographs are used to estimate the shoreline migrations and beach-nearshore sand balance over the last 200 years in Haifa Bay, Israel, the northernmost final depositional sink of the Nile littoral cell. The findings reflect two main periods. During the first period, between 1799 and 1928, human intervention along the bay's coast was negligible, a significant coastal expansion of ∼50 to 150 m (averages of 0.4-1.2 m/year) was measured, and sand accumulation was estimated at ∼70,000 m 3 annually in the beach-nearshore area. A dramatic change in the sedimentological pattern was observed during the second period, between 1928 and 2006, following the completion of Haifa Port's main breakwater (1929)(1930)(1931)(1932)(1933). During this period, most of the bay's coast was in a steady state, with seasonal fluctuations of less than about ±20 m, and slight erosion of ∼7,000 m 3 annually. These findings are consistent with previous studies which conclude that from approximately 4,000 years ago until the construction of Haifa Port, sea level remained relatively stable, and a continuous accumulation of Nile-derived sand dried up the Zevulun Plain and shifted the Haifa Bay shoreline westwards to its present location. This long-term trend ceased after completion of the Haifa Port main breakwater.

Research paper thumbnail of והים איננו מלא Yet the Sea Is not Full

Social Science Research Network, Feb 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Experimental study of sediment transport along the central Mediterranean coast of Israel by means of fluorescent sand tracers

The method of labeled natural sand particles was used to study sediment transport along the centr... more The method of labeled natural sand particles was used to study sediment transport along the central Mediterranean coast of Israel. Six portions of 300 kg each were tagged with various fluorescent colors and distributed at six different locations in the vicinity of the Herzliya Marina. The tagged sand was scattered at the end of autumn, and sampled three times during

Research paper thumbnail of A note on: Isostasy, dynamic equilibrium, continents and time

Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of catchment size on runoff relationships — A comment

Journal of Hydrology, 1984

Pilgrim et al. (1982) question the validity of extrapolating small-basin hydrological and geomorp... more Pilgrim et al. (1982) question the validity of extrapolating small-basin hydrological and geomorphological data to large basins and vice versa. They conclude in their abstract that: "while general relationships will exist between small and large catchments in a region, no simple or closely defined relations are likely"

Research paper thumbnail of Dissolved material transport—the flushing effect in surface and subsurface flow

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1981

The study deals with the relationship between specific conductance and water flow in a small catc... more The study deals with the relationship between specific conductance and water flow in a small catchment. Three flow types were studied: (a) channel flow; (b) overland flow; (c) subsurface flow. The study of the three flow types demonstrates the important role of the flushing effect in small basins. The flushing effect is seen as an increase in water conductivity in the early stage of an event. Flushing is probably a function of accumulation in the basin. Accumulation is best defined as a function of time elapsing since the last heavy rain. The study has been carried out in the School of Geography at Leeds University, Leeds LS2 9JT, England.

Research paper thumbnail of Channel width—drainage area relations in small basins

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 1983

The measurement of stream channels in basins less than 3 km2 shows compound relations between wid... more The measurement of stream channels in basins less than 3 km2 shows compound relations between width and area. Break points in the relations may be attributed to the changing contribution of rapid storm flow and to the effect of bed material size.

Research paper thumbnail of The Environmental Impact of the Gaza Strip Coastal

ZVIELY, D. and KLEIN, M., 2003. The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions.... more ZVIELY, D. and KLEIN, M., 2003. The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions. Journal of Coastal Research, 19(4), 1122-1127. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN' 0749-0208. The first major coastal project in the Gaza Strip that followed the signing of the Oslo agreement was the building of a fishing harbor in the city of Gaza (1994-1999) (Figure 1). Current plans call for additional large-scale coastal construction. Yet this coastal construction in the Gaza Strip will interfere with the natural longshore sediment transport toward the Israeli coast. Sedimentological models predict resulting coastal erosion that will extend north of Gaza City to southern Israel. The proposed solution is a beach nourishment and/or a sand bypass system, which would transfer the sand that accumulates south of the coastal construction to the affected areas in the north. A memorandum signed between representatives of the Palestinian Authority and the Government of the State of Israel (2...

Research paper thumbnail of Longshore sand transport estimates along the Mediterranean coast of Israel in the Holocene

Marine Geology, 2007

The Nile littoral cell, one of the world's longest, runs 650 km along the southeastern Mediterran... more The Nile littoral cell, one of the world's longest, runs 650 km along the southeastern Mediterranean, from Abu Quir Bay near Alexandria, Egypt, to Haifa Bay on the northern Israeli coast. Haifa Bay constitutes the northernmost final depositional sink of Nile-derived quartz sand, transported from the Nile delta by longshore currents generated by approaching breaking waves. The northward net sand transport along the Mediterranean coast of Israel results from larger waves approaching from west-southwest and southwest compared to their counterparts from westnorth-west and northwest. This study utilizes an extensive new database gathered from sediment drill cores, marine geophysical maps and field observations to measure the volume of sand deposited in Haifa Bay and the adjacent Zevulun Plain during the Holocene. It then compares this volume to recent data, including measurements of sand accumulation along Haifa Port's main breakwater (constructed in the southern entrance of the bay) as well as longshore sand transport estimates along the northern Carmel coast. Research findings estimate the annual average quantity of sand transported to Haifa Bay throughout the period at 80,000-90,000 m 3. The findings further conclude that this amount has not changed appreciably over the past 75 years. Evaluating calculated values over the long term, it is suggested that the characteristics of longshore sand transport along the coast of Israel have not changed significantly during the past 7900-8500 years. It is obvious that this conjecture should be treated with reservations.

Research paper thumbnail of Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Earth Surf

Research indicates that the aeolianite (Kurkar) cliffs along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline ... more Research indicates that the aeolianite (Kurkar) cliffs along the Israeli Mediterranean coastline have continuously retreated eastward during the last few decades. There seems to be no dispute among Earth scientists regarding the general trend of cliff retreat. However the majority of papers displaying cliff retreat rates are based upon comparison of aerial photographs. Their lack of advanced geometric measurement methods causes a high margin of error. Public attention is focused upon the Beit-Yannay coastal cliff since private homes are located along the southern section of the cliff crest. The current research compares the historic location of the cliff crest edge at Beit-Yannay as observed in a series of aerial photographs taken during the period 1918-2000. Quantitative measurement methods included applications of satellite geodesy and digital photogrammetry and mapping. Research results offer quantitative, consecutive and highly accurate data regarding retreat rates over a relati...

Research paper thumbnail of Two artificial anchorages off the Dead Sea north shore: a ground aid to navigation on an inland lake

Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing w... more Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing winds, endangered navigation on the Dead Sea and prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations. A recently discovered artificial stone mound off the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime-related archaeological find exposed by the drying out of the lake. The construction of this site and another site nearby inside the lake away from its historic shore was intended to create an open-water mooring designed to overcome some of the for cited challenges. In turn they allowed the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of archaeological waterlogged wooden objects exposed on the hyper-saline Dead Sea shore

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2016

Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evide... more Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evidence of degradation when first exposed, and after prolonged exposure and dehydration. An investigation on the state of preservation of this material was recognised as a necessary step towards its long-term conservation. Micromorphological observations, ATR FTIR, ash content, and physical tests showed that deterioration is limited and is mostly non-biological in nature. Natural bulking and impregnation with lake minerals and salts appear to play a significant role in the physical stability of these woods when dried, and apparently inhibit microbial colonization and subsequent degradation. In contrast, archaeological wood examined from a typical Mediterranean marine environment showed advanced stages of degradation by bacteria, with the wood structure extensively compromised.

Research paper thumbnail of Holocene evolution of the Haifa Bay area, Israel, and its influence on ancient tell settlements

The Holocene, 2006

... yr BP (Fairbanks, 1989; Bard et al., 1990, 1996; Antonioli and Oliverio, 1996; Lambeck and Ba... more ... yr BP (Fairbanks, 1989; Bard et al., 1990, 1996; Antonioli and Oliverio, 1996; Lambeck and Bard, 2000; Lambeck et al., 2002, 2004) and the coastline shifted eastward to about 14 km west to the present-day coastline in Haifa Bay. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The change in flood regime along the Lower Jordan River: Its influence on flood plain land use

IAHS-AISH Publication, 2005

... The LJR flood plain is not inhabited and the population lives outside the area, yet theflood ... more ... The LJR flood plain is not inhabited and the population lives outside the area, yet theflood plain is used for agricultural purposes. ... Hence, floods occurring in the upper Jordan River have no direct impact on the LJR (Marwan & Klein, 2002). ...

Research paper thumbnail of Two Artificial Anchorages off the Northern Shore of the Dead Sea: a specific feature of an ancient maritime cultural landscape

International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2014

A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime ... more A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime feature exposed by the drying of the lake. Lake-level fluctuations, a loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and onshore prevailing winds, prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations in this area. This and a similar mound nearby, Rujum el Bahr, are interpreted as structures once used for open-water mooring, providing a firm anchor-hold over a range of lake levels and wind directions. As such, they enabled the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Two artificial anchorages off the Dead Sea north shore: a ground aid to navigation on an inland lake

Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore prevailing w... more Lake level fluctuations, loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and on-shore
prevailing winds, endangered navigation on the Dead Sea and prevented the long-term planning,
construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations. A recently discovered
artificial stone mound off the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime-related archaeological
find exposed by the drying out of the lake. The construction of this site and
another site nearby inside the lake away from its historic shore was intended to create an
open-water mooring designed to overcome some of the for cited challenges. In turn they allowed
the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime
traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Two Artificial Anchorages off the Northern Shore of the Dead Sea: a specific feature of an ancient maritime cultural landscape

A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime ... more A recently discovered artificial stone mound on the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a maritime feature exposed by the drying of the lake. Lake-level fluctuations, a loose silt bottom, lack of natural anchorages, and onshore prevailing winds, prevented the long-term planning, construction and maintenance of shore-based harbour installations in this area. This and a similar mound nearby, Rujum el Bahr, are interpreted as structures once used for open-water mooring, providing a firm anchor-hold over a range of lake levels and wind directions. As such, they enabled the use of this economically and strategically important part of the lake by maritime traffic.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of archaeological waterlogged wooden objects exposed on the hyper-saline Dead Sea shore

Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evide... more Archaeological waterlogged wood objects exposed on the Dead Sea shore exhibit little visual evidence of degradation when first exposed, and after prolonged exposure and dehydration. An investigation on the state of preservation of this material was recognised as a necessary step towards its long-term conservation. Micromorphological observations, ATR FTIR, ash content, and physical tests showed that deterioration is limited and is mostly non-biological in nature. Natural bulking and impregnation with lake minerals and salts appear to play a significant role in the physical stability of these woods when dried, and apparently inhibit microbial colo-nization and subsequent degradation. In contrast, archaeological wood examined from a typical Mediterranean marine environment showed advanced stages of degradation by bacteria, with the wood structure extensively compromised.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Drainage Basin Area on Dominant Flow and Meander Wavelength

Research paper thumbnail of The environmental impact of the Gaza Strip coastal constructions

Journal of Coastal Research, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Shoreline migration and beach-nearshore sand balance over the last 200 years in Haifa Bay (SE Mediterranean)

Geo Marine Letters, Apr 1, 2009

Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean co... more Several researchers have investigated morphological changes on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast during the late Holocene. However, very few of these studies include quantitative data covering the last 200 years. In this study, topographical maps, nautical charts and aerial photographs are used to estimate the shoreline migrations and beach-nearshore sand balance over the last 200 years in Haifa Bay, Israel, the northernmost final depositional sink of the Nile littoral cell. The findings reflect two main periods. During the first period, between 1799 and 1928, human intervention along the bay's coast was negligible, a significant coastal expansion of ∼50 to 150 m (averages of 0.4-1.2 m/year) was measured, and sand accumulation was estimated at ∼70,000 m 3 annually in the beach-nearshore area. A dramatic change in the sedimentological pattern was observed during the second period, between 1928 and 2006, following the completion of Haifa Port's main breakwater (1929)(1930)(1931)(1932)(1933). During this period, most of the bay's coast was in a steady state, with seasonal fluctuations of less than about ±20 m, and slight erosion of ∼7,000 m 3 annually. These findings are consistent with previous studies which conclude that from approximately 4,000 years ago until the construction of Haifa Port, sea level remained relatively stable, and a continuous accumulation of Nile-derived sand dried up the Zevulun Plain and shifted the Haifa Bay shoreline westwards to its present location. This long-term trend ceased after completion of the Haifa Port main breakwater.