Long-Term Shoreline Change Analysis in Tyre South Lebanon

This study investigates shoreline variation along the southern coast of Lebanon in Tyre, an ecologically sensitive area, over a period spanning from 1938 to 2021. Using a combination of cadastral maps, GNSS-based field surveys, and high-resolution satellite imagery (CORONA, KVR-1000, IKONOS, QUICKBIRD, GeoEye-1), a comprehensive temporal analysis was performed. Shoreline changes were evaluated using GIS tools, particularly the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), which calculated Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) and End Point Rate (EPR). The findings show that the coastal area remained stable between 1938 and 1964(∼0.69 km2), followed by significant erosion between 1964 and 1994, with a net loss of 0.2 km2(23%). This erosion coincides with the Lebanese Civil War period and related illegal coastal interventions. From 2018 to 2021, an increase in area was observed, probably due to reduced tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. DSAS results confirmed these trends, with NSM values reaching up to 118 meters and an average EPR of 1.42 m/ year. The results highlight the impact of human activities on shoreline dynamics and emphasize the need for informed coastal zone management to mitigate future risks.