Gulf of Oristano; remote sensing; coastline evolution; seagrass meadow
Abstract :
[en] Important environmental changes have been observed for some coastal processes in the Gulf of Oristano (west coast of Sardinia, Italy). With remote sensing as the principal tool, this study aims to assess littoral evolution over time (1977-2000) and to evaluate whether there is a relationship between the evolutionary trend of the shoreline and that of the upper limit of the Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadow. Results show that some portions of the coastline, mainly located on the sandy part of the littoral, have encountered significant variations that can be partially related to the evolution of the upper limit of the P. oceanica meadow. Mainly of natural origins, this evolutionary trend has also been related to anthropogenic pressures put on the seagrass meadow. This finding confirms that Posidonia meadows significantly affect the littoral geomorphology, providing biogenic sediments, controlling beach slope, and acting as a '' brake '' on coastal water masses.
Research center :
MARE - Centre Interfacultaire de Recherches en Océanologie - ULiège
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