Overwash refers to the landward movement of water and sediment across coastal barriers, such as dunes or spits, that occurs when wave runup or storm surge surpasses the barrier's crest height during high-energy events. This process causes erosion of the barrier and deposits sediment landward as washover fans or sheets. Such deposits are crucial in barrier migration and reshaping, especially in low-lying deltaic areas at risk from sea-level rise and more intense storms.
This study examines overwash processes on the Barbamarco Spit, a sandy geomorphological feature in the Po Delta (Northern Adriatic, Italy), which is becoming increasingly susceptible to erosion due to factors such as subsidence, decreased sediment supply, and human activities.
This integrated UAV–modeling approach aims to understand better how overwash and washover processes can impact barrier stability and shape as sea levels rise and storms become more frequent. This knowledge supports effective monitoring and helps guide nature-based adaptation strategies to enhance resilience in deltaic coastal regions.