Author(s): Elpidoforos G. Repousis; Athanasios G. Ziros; Michalis K. Chondros; Constantine D. Memos
Linked Author(s): Constantine Memos
Keywords: Lechaion; Submerged breakwaters; Inland basin harbour; Dredging
Abstract: In this study, an investigation was carried out of the ancient harbour of Lechaion (Peloponnese, Greece) ,regarding its associated coastal sedimentation features. The ancient facility, established around 600 B. C. ,is positioned on the southeastern edge of the Gulf of Corinth where continuous small steep alluvial fans form the shoreline profile. As for today’s sedimentary state of the coast, natural forces and human pressure have produced a deltaic environment lacking inland and coastal sediment deposits. Despite decay over the centuries, the overall capability of the main features of the ancient installation in controlling sediment flow up to this day, indicates a judicious initial positioning and planning. The proposed layout is an answer in reducing downstream shore erosion, induced by conventional long groynes used today, along with avoiding sediment trapping at the port entrance. Beyond historical data and on site observations, herein the evaluation of both the efficiency of this ancient harbour design and its effect to adjacent shore protection, was verified through a widely accepted computational package.
Year: 2015