Sediment Dynamics and Erosion in a Complex Coastal Lagoon System in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

The complex lagoon system of Carmen, Pajonal, and Machona in the Southern Gulf of Mexico is characterized by highly active sedimentary dynamics. To reproduce the sedimentary dynamics processes, the MOHID model, coupled with the SWAN wave model, was applied to different scenarios through a climatic analysis of winds. Historical wind data indicate that the region has experienced a significant shift in the principal wind component over the last two decades. Furthermore, hurricanes have impacted the lagoon system on multiple occasions in recent decades. Five numerical experiments were conducted, considering both historical and present-day wind conditions, the impact of Hurricane Larry, and engineering works such as breakwaters, to better understand the sedimentary dynamics of the lagoon system. Model results revealed intense and variable sediment transport depending on the intensity and direction of the prevailing winds, waves, extreme weather events, and breakwater locations.