Køge Bay - beach nourishment

The bay was partially enclosed by a series of natural low sandy islands until 1977-1978 when a 8km long artificial barrier was constructed. The existing islands were extended and widened by pumping marine sand (from the seabed) onto the beach. The new dune top and outer dune slopes were then planted with marram and left to develop. Between 1978 and 1990 a more natural profile developed on the engineered slopes of the new dune. Ammophila arenaria played a significant role in this, helping to stabilise the dune and create conditions for other plants to become established (Vestergaard & Hansen 1992).

References

Vestergaard, P. & Hansen, K. 1992. Changes in morphology and vegetation of a man-made beach-dune system by natural processes. In: Coastal Dunes. Geomorphology, Ecology and Management: Proceedings of the Third European Dune Congres, eds.Carter, R.W.G., Curtis, T.G.F. & Sheehy-Skeffington, M.J.A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam, 165-176.