Hurricane-induced shoreline change and post-storm recovery: Northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Storms are major drivers of shoreline change on barrier beach systems. In tropical environments many such systems are fronted by coral reefs; however, little is known about how these reefal structures influence beach response during hurricanes. This study provides a detailed assessment of the impacts of Hurricane Wilma on the coral-fringed barrier beaches of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Hurricane Wilma made landfall in late October 2005 as a Category 4 storm, bringing sustained wind speeds of 67 ms-1, and storm waves with significant wave heights (Hs) 13 m. To determine the impact of Hurricane Wilma, satellite imagery was used in conjunction with beach profile data to quantify..