Beach mQrphology reflects the interaction between hydrodynamic conditions and sediment type. This interaction begins at the wave base, being more effective at the breaker zone where energy is dissipated, originating a surf zone and extending shoreward, up to the swash limit. The goal of this paper is to present the morphodynamic characteristics of the NE littoral of Rio de Janeiro state, showing an analysis based on temporal and spatial variability of beach protiles, morphology of the continental shelf (bathymetric map) and aerial photos. The beach protiles were taken during tive years by PETROBRAS (Brazilian 'Petroleum Co.) along 8 different beaches. Differences in morphoqynamic behavior along the study coastline are dependent 00 the interplay amoog different wave patterns and coastline trends, inner continental shelf morphology controlling the surf zone and the number of breaker zones, sediment grain size and beach face gradient. Four different morphodynamic compartments were recognized based on morphological characteristics of the beach profiles and inner shelf, beach mobility index, sediment size X beach face slope and the Q parameter. The four compartments are: a) AtafonaIFoz do Rio Paraiba do Sul -intermediate to dissipative morphodynamic state with the highest beach mobility index and a high erosive rate; Sul de Atafona-Cabo de São Tomé -intermediate to reflective state with low beach mobility index; Cabo de São Tomé -reflective to intermediate morphodynamic 5tate with high beach mobility index and Cabo de São Tomé~Cabiúnas -reflective with low beach mobility index.
Beach morphodynamics; Shoreline mobility; Beach profile changes; Morphometric parameters