MODELING REGIONAL COASTAL EVOLUTION IN THE BIGHT OF BENIN, GULF OF GUINEA, WEST AFRICA

Abstract

The Bight of Benin coast is marked by the presence of three deepwater harbours which have affected the stability of the shoreline. In addition, several studies pointed out the overall diminution of sand supply due to the dams on Volta river channel and climate change effects. The combination of all these factors leads to a mixture of natural and artificial components affecting the coastline evolution in regional and long term scales. Here, we modeled the shoreline in the Bight of Benin, using the CASCADE model. The results show that the overall shape is well maintained and shoreline changes pretty well reconstructed. But, unresolved detailed information did not allowed to consider cross-shore sediment exchange and local deviations can be observed. However, the CASCADE model can be used to investigate regional and long term solutions for decisions-makers in the concerned countries.