Impact of swash and backwash waves in selected coastal communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study focuses on analysng the impact of swash and backwash on the shorelines of Foropa, Sangana, and Brass in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The objective of this study is to examine the temporal behavior of swash and backwash on shorelines in the study area. To achieve the aim of the study, stopwatch was utilized to conduct in-situ measurements of wave break rates at the Shores of Foropa, Sangana, and Brass settlements. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine whether the temporal behavior of backwash is significantly associated with shoreline changes in the study area. Analysis from the study show that that the shorelines of Foropa, and Sangana settlements are experiencing wave break rates of 10 waves or more per minute all through the year. The results also revealed a gradual increase in wave break rates from April to July, followed by a decline from August to December. This heightened wave activity from April to August is attributed to the impact of the tropical maritime air mass, which typically occurs between June and July. The study also suggests that the occurrences or factors contributing to coastal erosion in the various settlements may be similar or identical. Among its recommendations, the study proposes the implementation of a coastal zone management program for the region, among other measures.