Sedimentary dynamics and evolution of the Kneiss coastline, Tunisia

The main objective of the present study was to identify the main natural and, locally, anthropic factors that intervene in the sedimentary dynamics of the Kneiss shoreline located at the level of the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia. The results of mineralogical and granulometric analyses of the surface sediments taken at the level of the upper beach and shallow waters showed that these sediments are essentially constituted by quartz and calcite. The clay phase is quite heterogeneous, with an association in variable proportions of kaolinite, illite and smectite. The sands of the tidal channels show a decreasing grading from downstream to upstream. The mode of transport is exclusively tidal current rolling. Monitoring the morphological evolution of the Kneiss coast with the help of cartographic supports and aerial photographs has allowed us to record a recession of the coast.