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This paper investigates the paleoenvironmental evolution of a long core extracted in a small cove located in the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain). The inferred reconstruction is supported by sedimentological, geochemical, paleontological data and dating. Seven phases have been identified, with the transit from Late Neogene marine environments to a subrecent freshwater pond and a final anthropic filling. On the basis of these data, this area was flooded during the maximum of the MIS-1 transgression (6.5-5.2 cal. kyr BP), with the temporary presence of a subtidal channel with phanerogam meadows. During this evolution, three geochemical peaks have been detected, which correspond to 1) the first evidence of mining activities (~4.5 cal. kyr BP), 2) an interval of intensive mining (1850-1960) and 3) an industrial period (1966-1985), affected by the dumping of highly polluting waste into this estuary. more...

This paper studies the malacofauna of four sediment cores collected in an old cove of the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain) to establish the chronology and spatial extent of MIS-1 transgression in this area. The paleoenvironmental interpretation based on facies analysis and the malacological record point to an evolution from a Miocene marine substrate to a final anthropic filling. During the late Pleistocene?-lower Holocene, this substrate was eroded by the fluvial network and alluvial sediments were deposited. During the maximum of the MIS-1 transgression (~ ca 6.5–5.4 kyr BP), this area was flooded and malacofauna is revealed as an excellent proxy of this transgression. Mesolittoral paleoenvironments dominated by the gastropod Peringia ulvae characterized the inner zones of the cove, while phanerogam meadows with abundant specimens of the gastropod Bittium reticulatum developed in the outermost areas. During the last 5400 years, this cove was progressively covered by marshes, although some mesolittoral paleoenvironments persisted until 4000 years BP. more...

espanolEste trabajo analiza la evolucion vertical de facies y el contenido en Ag y Bi de un testigo continuo extraido en el estuario medio del rio Tinto (S.O. Espana). El analisis sedimentologico y paleontologico permite definir cuatro facies sedimentarias, caracteristicas de depositos aluviales (F1: 6,5-6,2 ka BP), la presencia de facies estuarinas durante la inundacion marina del sector coincidente con el maximo transgresivo holoceno y el periodo inmediatamente posterior (F2: 6,2-5,2 ka BP), el transito a marismas (F3: 5,2 ka BP-siglo XIX) y un relleno antropico de finales del siglo XX. Los contenidos de Ag y Bi permiten precisar tres periodos principales de contaminacion historica: i) inicio de las actividades mineras y explotacion de Ag durante la edad de Bronce (~4,5-3,2 ka BP); ii) periodo de maxima intensidad de la explotacion minera romana (siglos I-II DC); y iii) mineria intensiva reciente (desde 1870). EnglishThis paper analyzes the vertical evolution of facies and the Ag and Bi contents of a continuous core extracted in the middle estuary of the Tinto river (S.O. Spain). The sedimentological and paleontological analysis allows to define four sedimentary facies, characteristics of alluvial deposits (F1: 6.5-6.2 ka BP), the marine flooding of the sector during the maximum of the Holocene transgression and the period immediately after (F2: 6.2 -5.2 ka BP), the transition to marshes (F3: 5.2-19th century) and an anthropic landfill since the end of the 20th century. The concentrations of Ag and Bi make it possible to specify three main periods of historical contamination: i) the start of mining activities and the exploitation of Ag during the Bronze Age (~ 4.5-3.2 ka BP); ii) the period of maximum intensity of Roman mining (1st-2nd centuries DC); and iii) recent intensive mining (since 1870). more...

The multidisciplinary analysis (dating, texture, total mineralogy) of two deep cores collected in the Donana National Park (SW Spain) allows to distinguish the main features of three tsunami deposits found in three different paleoenvironmental scenarios (TSU-1: inner area of an open lagoon; TSU-2: inner area of a restricted lagoon; TSU- 3: outer area of a restricted lagoon). The main textural feature of the inner lagoonal tsunami deposits is the increase in bioclastic sands, while the outer TSU-3 is composed almost entirely of medium and fine sands without bioclasts. The mineralogical analysis of TSU-1 and TSU-2 reveals a decrease in phyllosilicates in the basal layers of these tsunami deposits and a parallel increase of quartz, feldspars, dolomite and sometimes calcite. Silica is the main component of TSU-3, whose mineralogical composition changes progressively due to the action of tidal currents in the inlet lagoon on which it is deposited. This rich- SiO2 outer tsunami deposit is derived from the erosion of the adjacent aeolian systems, while the inner TSU-1 and TSU-2 were generated by the transport of bioclastic sands from the outermost parts through the lagoon (TSU-1), or through a nearby tidal channel (TSU-2). more...

In his short joint ventures across the world of vertebrate tracks, Richard Bromley recognized the aeolian sands as unsuitable soft substrates for their preservation. Only after his work in the Bale... more...

The Tinto and Odiel rivers (SW Spain) drain from a vast sulfide mining district and join at a 20-km-long estuary that enters the Atlantic Ocean. In this work, the contents of rare earth elements (REE) and fractionation in Neogene–Holocene sediment cores from La Fontanilla cove (Tinto estuary) were studied. The sediments were collected from a depth of 18 m at different distances from the recent river flow and were analyzed for new information on the temporal development of the REE load in the sediment column. Results show that the å REE is higher in the finer sediments and during periods of mining activity from prehistoric to recent times. Marine influence appears to increase the light REE (LREE) relative to the heavy REE (HREE). The REE patterns of these estuarine sediments show convex curvatures in the MREE relative to the LREE and HREE, indicating the presence of acid-mixing processes between the fluvial waters affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) and seawater, as well as the precipitation of poorly crystalline mineral phases. Significant positive Eu anomalies were found in ebb-tide channels and marsh deposits, which can reflect the mineralogical composition and/or a strong localized salinity gradient combined with organic matter degradation. Sedimentological characteristics of the deposits appear to play the main role in accumulation and fractionation of the REE, Funds came from the Andalusian Government (groups RNM-238 and RNM-293), the town hall of Palos de la Frontera, and the FEDER 2014–2020 project UHU-1260298, which is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural, and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of Huelva. The C2TN/IST authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the FCT (the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation) through the UIDB/04349/2020 project and the post-doctoral grant SFRH/BPD/114986/2016 more...

This paper presents the easternmost mineralogical and geochemical evidence of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami found in the Western Mediterranean. This multidisciplinary analysis of a sediment core obtained in Gibraltar (southern Iberian Peninsula) has allowed us to differentiate a tsunamiite from an old lagoon (The Inundation). This tsunamigenic layer has increased levels of calcite and aragonite and higher concentrations of Ba and ferromagnesian elements in comparison with the underlying lagoonal sediments of this core. This layer is also differentiated by its paleontological record, with the introduction of marine species within this lagoon. The uppermost part of the core includes a transition from swampy/marsh paleoenvironments to terrestrial scenarios, with a final anthropogenic filling occurring during the last century, This work was carried out through the following projects: a) DGYCIT project CTM2006- 06722/MAR; b) DGYCIT project CGL2006-01412; and c) FEDER 2014-2020 project UHU-1260298. Other funds have come from Autonomous University of Madrid (GPG-418 Research Group) and the Andalusian Government (groups RNM-238, RNM-293 and RNM-349). It is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of Huelva more...

The Doñana National Park is a Biosphere Reserve located within the estuary of the Guadalquivir River (SW Spain). It is mainly composed of extensive fluvio-tidal marshes partially protected by an elongated sandy spit. Three phases have been distinguished in the late Holocene evolution of this spit based on textural, geochemical, palaeontological and, chronological data recorded in a long core (31 m). Phase 1 (890 BCE-218 BCE) is characterized by the alternation of lagoonal silty sediments and slightly polluted marsh deposits, the latter with contamination from thousand-year-old mining. Phase 2 (218 BCE-90 CE) is characterized by several historical tsunamis, which caused the erosion of previous dune systems and the deposit of these sandy sediments on the adjacent bottom of the lagoon. Phase 3 (90 CE-Present) includes a regressive sequence (lagoonal bottom-marsh-dune system), with the pollution of lagoonal sediments due to Roman mining activities. more...

The southwestern Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula presents an important Roman heritage that includes numerous fish-salting workshops, with an industrial activity that went on for almost a millennium (1st century BC-7th century AD). Nevertheless, a future broad research is still necessary to determine the geologic substratum on which they are based, their palaeoenvironmental evolution, their main economic objectives and the byproducts derived from their activities. This paper is focused on the geology, dating and the archaeological record of La Cascajera, a new site located in the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain). This new cetaria occupied the northwestern end of La Cascajera ridge (Saltés Island), constituted by sandy, bioclastic deposits of previous washover fans (1st-2th centuries AD). During the main period of activity (middle of 4th century AD-5th century AD), the existence of a certain typology of amphorae as well as the documentation of a shell deposit formed mostly by Glycymeris suggest that this factory was oriented to the production of mixed fish sauces and the handling of edible bivalves. The main features of this deposit (texture, paleontology, taphonomy) could be used to differentiate middens from natural shelly ridges, La costa suratlántica de la Península Ibérica posee un importante legado romano que incluye numerosos talleres halieúticos, con una actividad que se desarrolló durante casi un milenio (siglo I a.C.-siglo VII d.C.). Sin embargo, se precisan nuevas investigaciones que determinen el contexto geológico en el que se desarrollaron, su evolución paleoambiental, sus principales objetivos económicos y los subproductos derivados de sus actividades. Este trabajo se centra en la geología, datación y registro arqueológico de La Cascajera, un nuevo yacimiento localizado en el estuario de los ríos Tinto y Odiel (S.O. de España). Esta nueva cetaria ocupaba el extremo noroccidental de la cresta de La Cascajera (Isla de Saltés), constituida por depósitos bioclásticos arenosos de abanicos de derrame previos (siglos I-II d.C.). Durante su principal periodo de actividad (mitad del siglo IV d.C.-siglo V d.C.), la existencia de una cierta tipología de ánforas así como la existencia de un conchero formado principalmente por Glycymeris sugieren que esta factoría estaba dedicada a la producción de salsas mixtas de pescado y la extracción de bivalvos comestibles. Las principales características de este conchero (textura, paleontología, tafonomía) podrían ser usadas para diferenciar concheros de acumulaciones naturales de conchas, This work has been carried out through the project ́From the Atlantic to the Tyrrhenian. The hispanic ports and their commercial relations with Ostia Antica. DEATLANTIR II - HAR2017-89154-P - (Plan Nacional de I+D+i). Other funds have come from Andalusian Gouvernement (groups HUM-132, RNM-238 and RNM-293). It is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of HuelvaThis work has been carried out through the project ´From the Atlantic to the Tyrrhenian. The hispanic ports and their commercial relations with Ostia Antica. DEATLANTIR II - HAR2017-89154-P - (Plan Nacional de I+D+i). Other funds have come from Andalusian Gouvernement (groups HUM-132, RNM-238 and RNM-293). It is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of Huelva more...

A multidisciplinar analysis of sediments collected in diferent environments of the Doñana National Park (Guadalquivir estuary, SW Spain) provides an overview of the textural, mineralogical and physico-chemical parameters that control the distribution of benthic foraminiferal tests in this Biosphere Reserve. These microorganisms are absent in the fne quartzitic sands that constitute the substrate of temporary ponds with brief hydroperiods located in the dune systems and spits, as well as in other ponds with low conductivities or hypersaline conditions located in the inner marshlands or near the Guadalquivir river banks. Dead benthic foraminifera are mainly found on phyllosilicate-rich, silty-clayey substrates. The taphonomic analysis of the main species (Ammonia tepida, Haynesina germanica, Trochammina infata, Entzia macrescens) points to its deposit in situ. Cluster analysis permits to delimitate six foraminiferal assemblages. Cluster II (A. tepida+H. germanica) is the dominant assemblage in the central ponds and the margins of the main channels, while cluster IV (T. infata+E. macrescens) is restricted to some ponds located on the high marsh and cluster VI (Ammonia beccarii+Quinqueloculina spp.) is abundant on external beaches. Tidal fuxes cause the transport of these last marine benthic species and some plaktonic forms both to the inner areas of the estuary and to these beaches. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion more...

This paper investigates the paleoenvironmental evolution of a core extracted in the middle sector of the Tinto River estuary, SW Spain, one of the most polluted areas in the world due to mining over thousands of years (>4 kyr BP) and recent industrial discharges. This evolution includes alluvial sands (>6.4 cal kyr BP), bioclastic sands and silts deposited in subtidal and intertidal channels during and after the Holocene transgression maximum (6.4-4.3 cal kyr BP), the sedimentation of clayey-sandy silts in low and high marshes during the last 2.4 kyr BP and a final anthropic filling. Three sharp peaks of pollution have been detected, representing a) a natural origin during the Holocene transgression; b) the impact of the first mining activities (~4.5 cal kyr BP); and c) the effect of industrial discharge and a new period of mining activity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Foraminifera, ostracods and molluscs disappeared during these last two peaks., Este trabajo investiga la evolución paleoambiental inferida a partir del estudio de un testigo extraído en el sector medio del estuario del río Tinto (SO de España), una de las zonas más contaminadas del mundo por actividades mineras milenarias (>4 kyr BP) y descargas industriales recientes. Esta evolución incluye arenas aluviales (>6.4 cal kyr BP), arenas bioclásticas y limos depositados en canales submareales e intermareales durante y después del máximo transgresivo holoceno (6.4-4.3 cal kyr BP), la sedimentación de limos arcillosos-arenosos marismeños durante los últimos 2.4 kyr BP y un relleno antrópico final. Se han detectado tres picos de contaminación, que proceden de: a) un origen natural durante el máximo transgresivo holoceno; b) el impacto de las primeras actividades mineras (~ 4.5 kyr BP); y c) el efecto conjunto de los vertidos industriales y un nuevo período de actividad minera durante los siglos XIX y XX. Los foraminíferos, ostrácodos y moluscos desaparecieron durante estos dos últimos picos. more...

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The elemental content&mdash, mainly trace elements&mdash, of samples from two boreholes (PLN, CM) with evidence of tsunamiites, located in the Do&ntilde, ana National Park (SW Spain), were studied. The geochemical variations of the REE, LILE, HFSE, and other elements (Al, Ti, S, Na, Br, Sc, Co, Cr) were interpreted according to the mineralogy present in the samples. The results obtained show the geochemical complexity of the estuarine paleoenvironments, in this case with the existence of three Holocene-age tsunamigenic deposits (around 4.25, 3.56 and 2.2&ndash, 2 kyr BP). The statistical analysis of the samples&rsquo, geochemistry, by means of linear correlation and factor analysis, made it possible to differentiate two associations. The first is representative of an inherited mineralogy (REE-Y-Rb-Sr-Cs-Th-U-Hf-Al-Ti-Co-Cr-Sc), the second includes elements (Br-Na) linked to mineral formation under evaporite conditions (halite). The trace element geochemistry of sediments thus becomes an excellent tool to identify tsunamiites in the studied zone, especially those elements that are clear proxies for marine incursions (Na, Br, Sr) and high energy events (Hf, Ti). The parent area of the provenance of the materials is mainly of felsic composition. more...

On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus departed from the port of Palos de la Frontera, located in a small cove in southwestern Spain, and returned to this same port on March 15, 1493. On the basis of sedimentology, geochemistry, paleontology and dating of a long core (18 m) collected in this cove, thirteen facies are distinguished in the Neogene-Holocene evolution of its sedimentary infilling, with a transition from Miocene marine environments to Late Holocene marshes, going through an intermediate period that includes fluvial gravels, alluvial sediments and shallow coastal deposits that characterize the maximum of the Fladrian transgression in this area (~6.5 cal kyr BP). These data and others contributed by historical sources allow an approximate reconstruction of this cove at the end of the 15th century. more...

In recent decades, numerous studies have focused on the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of coastal areas, with special emphasis on the detection of tsunami layers. These multidisciplinary investigations usually do not study the mineralogy of the environment as well as the underlying or overlying layers.This paper analyzes the whole-rock mineralogy and clay minerals contained in seven short cores obtained in the Donana National Park (SW Spain) and deposited during the 5.000–1.500 cal. yr BP interval.The main purpose is to deduce the paleoenvironments from which the sedimentary facies present in them were formed and an approximation to the transport mechanisms involved in their formation. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that the main minerals are phyllosilicates, quartz and calcite, with smectites and illite being the most abundant phyllosilicates. According to the whole-rock mineralogy and additional statistical procedures (correlation, cluster analysis), the main source of quartz is the erosion of Donana spit, while the Guadalquivir river, its tributaries and the old lagoon have contributed mainly with smectite-rich phyllosilicates. On the contrary, waves, tides and high-energy events introduced illite and bioclasts in an old lagoon from the nearby shallow marine sectors. Consequently, the mineralogical analysis is revealed as an interesting tool for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction in this area, since it varies between different sedimentary environments. In addition, the combined study of whole-rock and clay mineralogy detects the tsunami layers and the provenance of their sediments in the studied cores. more...

The aeolian Pleistocene deposits recorded in the Rock of Gibraltar (S Iberian Peninsula) present a significant sedimentary thickness that fills the wide sea caves and covers its steep slopes. In Catalan Bay these deposits register the development of cliff-foot and rampant dunes that form a 35° sand ramp, 1 km long and up to 300 m in height formed by moderately to well-sorted sands, slightly carbonated and weakly cemented. This morphosedimentary evidence is associated with MIS 5−2 sea level fluctuations. Its internal structure shows lamination sets of 2–3 m in thickness and planar and trough cross-bedding. In these beds, five morphotypes of mammalian footprints have been recognized in vertical cross sections and convex hyporeliefs. Most of them present a moderate degree of conservation due to the poor cementation of the sands. These icnites are related to the activity of terrestrial mammals, possibly belonging to Homininae, Proboscidea, Artiodactila and Carnivora. The affinity between the footprints and their tracemakers has been established in the basis of their physical parameters, the shape of the footprints, their comparison with similar footprints and the correlation with the fossil fauna of vertebrates described for the Late Pleistocene in Gibraltar. These findings represent the first palaeoichnological record in the aeolian sediments of Gibraltar and indirectly corroborate the occupation of the coastal dune landscape by several terrestrial mammals during the Late Pleistocene. In addition, they help reconstructing the animal behaviour and interaction with the extensive dune systems that developed at the foot of the Rock slopes. The age of the tracks has been established within the MIS 2, during the probable Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the climate refuge of Gibraltar., Research supported by the Spanish MICINN-FEDER Project CGL2010-15810/BTE, This study is part of the activities of the Research Group RNM 293 “Geomorfología Ambiental y Recursos Hídricos”, University of Huelva. Comments of two anonymous reviewers have been very useful and constructive. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Richard Bromley. more...

El análisis multidisciplinar de un perfil descubierto por las tormentas invernales en el litoral del Parque Nacional de Doñana ha permitido reconstruir la evolución de su sector occidental durante el Holoceno superior. Se han definido 3 fases que reflejan el paso desde una marisma de aguas salobres (FA-1) a una laguna de aguas dulces transformada en turbera (FA-2), para finalizar con el depósito de cordones dunares (FA-3)., The multidisciplinary analysis of a profile discovered by the winter storms on the coast of the Doñana National Park has allowed us to reconstruct the evolution of its western sector during the Late Holocene. Three phases have been defined, which reflect the transition from a brackish water marsh (FA-1) to a freshwater lagoon transformed into peat bog (FA-2), to end with the deposit of dune systems (FA-3). more...

La costa es una de las zonas más dinámicas del sistema terrestre, donde se produce la interacción de los procesos terrestres y marinos. Los cambios en el nivel relativo del mar, la evolución costera y los fenómenos extremos, como tormentas y tsunamis, son de gran interés local y global. La forma en que las culturas pasadas han hecho frente a los cambios ambientales y a los riesgos naturales proporciona importantes lecciones para la respuesta humana a los cambios futuros. Es frecuente que algunos estudio geoarqueológicos actuales, con enfoques geomorfológicos, paleoambientales y sedimentológicos, carezcan de la adecuada integración de datos arqueológicos e históricos. Este número especial de la revista Cuaternario y Geomorfología tiene como objetivo proporcionar una plataforma multidisciplinar que sirva para definir el estado actual de la ciencia geoarqueológica, en relación con los eventos marinos pasados de alta energía registrados en la costa ibérica del golfo de Cádiz. Confiamos que las contribuciones que aquí se presentan estimulen un fructífero debate sobre estos nuevos enfoques interdisciplinares y se mejore el conocimiento sobre la interacción entre los asentamientos humanos costeros y los riesgos geológicos pasados. more...

A multidisciplinary analysis of Holocene sediments from Saltés Island (Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain) has allowed to differentiate eigth sedimentary facies, according to their textural characteristics, internal structure, paleontology and archaeological content. Its interpretation and the chronological datings carried out reconstruct a transition from a sandy tidal plain to a final occupation by a Roman salting (cetaria) between the 1st century BC to 5th century A. This evolution includes the deposit of washover fans derived from high-energy events between the 1st century BC to 3th century AD. The integration of these new data with others from previous research has allowed partially complete the palaeoenviromental reconstruction of the marine domain of the Tinto-Odiel estuary., El análisis multidisciplinar de sedimentos holocenos procedentes de la isla Saltés, situada en el estuario de los ríos Tinto y Odiel (SO de España), ha permitido diferenciar ocho facies sedimentarias, de acuerdo a sus características texturales, estructura interna, contenido paleontológico y restos arqueológicos presentes. Su interpretación y las dataciones cronológicas efectuadas han permitido reconstruir una transición desde una llanura mareal arenosa a la ocupación final de la zona por una factoría romana de salazones (cetaria) entre los siglos I BC y V AD. Esta evolución incluye el depósito de washover fans derivados de la acción de eventos de alta energía entre los siglos I BC y III AD. La integración de estos nuevos datos con otros procedentes de investigaciones previas ha permitido completar parcialmente la reconstrucción paleoambiental del dominio marino del estuario de los ríos Tinto y Odiel. more...

The major changes that occurred in the southwestern estuaries of the Spanish Atlantic coast during the last 6500 yr BP were simultaneous to human settlement and therefore the understanding of their coastal evolution will help interpreting human patterns in these areas. The study of the morpho-sedimentary features of new outcrops appearing in the middle sector of Saltés Island (Huelva Estuary, Spain) has been used to develop a model to understand the complex evolution of sand barriers than can be applied to similar inlets along the Atlantic Iberian coast. The first human settlements (6000–4000 yr BP) in the early Huelva Estuary (Tinto and Odiel rivers) were located in the ancient coastal banks or in the nearby hills. From 4000 yr BP onwards, the estuarine sediments started to emerge as sand barriers and chenier plains, prograding towards the mouth. As the littoral strands stabilized morphologically, they were colonized by human settlements in successive periods, the oldest inland (Almendral) and more recent outward (Cascajera). The study of the upper sedimentary layers of La Cascajera barrier display a tempestitic sequence of landward progradational washover-fans. The calibrated and modelled AMS dates in marine shells provide a storminess time range between the second half of first century BCE and the entire first century CE. Sedimentary records are useful to evaluate environmental changes, either from natural or anthropogenic causes, such as global and climate change. The interrelationship between the archaeological findings (mainly salting fish factories and old ports) and the morpho sedimentary evolution at the mouth of the Tinto and Odiel rivers allows us to highlight not only the Huelva Estuary's dynamics evolution, but also the possible regional patterns of human habitation from the beginning of the present sea-level highstand (middle Holocene). Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CGL2010-15810/BTE European Union (UE) EU Excellence Project of the Andalusia Board SEJ-4770 more...

The analysis of shell deposits eroded by a ebb-tide channel on Saltes Island (Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain) resulted in the identification of a new shell midden, associated with the activity of a nearby Roman factory over the 4th-5th centuries CE. This midden differs from other old shell deposits (sandy tidal flats, cheniers, washover fans) in several features: a) its malacological content, dominated by edible species (mainly the bivalve Glycymeris nummaria) and differentiated by statistical analysis; b) a partial selection and better conservation of Glycymeris nummaria (Linnaeus), its most abundant species; c) the absence of microfauna, which implies a previous washing to its final deposit; and d) an age concordant with the one deduced from the Roman amphoraic remains found in this area and subsequent to the washover fans on whom it was deposited. All these features, together with the absence of both anthropic fractures or cooking, would indicate that this Roman shell midden was the end result of a trawling on subtidal Glycymeris-rich sandy bottoms with adjacent grasslands, where the gastropod Bittium reticulatum (da Costa) was the most abundant mollusc. This gastropod is the dominant species in the remaining shell deposits. more...

During the late Neogene, the Mediterranean Sea was connected with the Atlantic Ocean by two straits: the northern Betic Strait and the southern Rifian Strait. In this paper, we analyze the main palaeoenviromental changes produced in the western sector of the Betic Strait during the late Tortonian–middle Messinian (7.4–6 Ma). The temporal evolution and statistical analysis of benthic foraminiferal assemblages both in cores and surface sections of the western Guadalquivir Basin (SW Spain) allow drawing an initial important deepening from the late Tortonian calcarenite coastal areas to the well oxygenated, upper slope palaeoenvironments of the latest Tortonian to early Messinian, with a latest Tortonian condensed horizon composed by glauconitic silts deposited in the middle-outer shelf. The lower Messinian silts and clays (7.2–6.3 Ma) were deposited in a upper slope scenario, with a small oxygen depletion at 6.48 Ma. The 6.3–6.2 Ma interval was characterized by an important sea level drop and the presence of low oxygenated, outer shelf palaeoenvironments in this area, coinciding with a global glaciation. Prior to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma), the upper slope palaeoenvironments were initially re-established (∼6.2–6.1 Ma) and finally a new regressive period (∼6 Ma) preceded Messinian Salinity Crisis. more...

In this study we examined the materials used in the building of the tholos of La Pastora located in the archaeological site of Valencina de la Concepcion (Seville, Spain), which represents the largest settlement of the Guadalquivir Valley during the Third millennium BC. Three different types of rock were found: Palaeozoic sandstone-shale, which forms the walls of both the corridor and the chamber; Palaeozoic granite, which makes up part of the roof slabs; and Neogene calcareous sandstone, which forms the remainder of the roof and floor slabs, as well as the jambs, lintels and some blocks of the walls of the chamber. Intense marine bioerosion as a result of the activity of bivalves, annelids and sponges was observed in some elements of the calcareous sandstone. In fact, the remains of some of the tracemakers were unusually well-preserved, as was the case for the bivalve Petricola lithophaga, whose shells remain in many of their burrows. We infer that these bioerosion structures were formed in a shallow coastal environment (intertidal), and that bioerosion was possible until the few moments before its extraction as construction material. Thereby, the environment in which rock extraction took place was likely a coastal wave-cut platform, in which calcareous sandstone levels outcropped and stood out between clay layers. The radiocarbon dates obtained from these bivalve shells provide a time range between 4780 and 4400 cal yr BP (2830–2450 yr BC) as the highest probability for rock extraction and the subsequent building of the tholos. Thus, the date represents a “Terminus Post Quem” for the construction of the monument of La Pastora. more...

The Rock of Gibraltar, at the south-western extreme of the Iberian Peninsula and 21. km from the North African coast, is a 6-km long limestone peninsula which was inhabited by Neanderthals from MIS 5e until the end of MIS 3. A total of 8 sites, either with Neanderthal fossils or their Mousterian lithic technology, have been discovered on the Rock. Two, Gorham's and Vanguard Caves, are the subject of ongoing research. These caves are currently at sea level, but during MIS 3 faced an emerged coastal shelf with the shoreline as far as 5. km away at times. They hold a unique archive of fauna and flora, in the form of fossils, charcoal and pollen, helping environmental reconstruction of now-submerged shelf landscapes. In addition, geological and geomorphological features - a 300-metre dune complex, elevated aeolian deposits, raised beaches, scree, speleothems - complement the biotic picture.The work is further complemented by a study of the ecology of the species recorded at the site, using present-day observations. The species composition in this fossil record closely matches the present day fauna and vegetation of the Doñana National Park, SW Spain: a mosaic of pine groves, coastal dunes, shrubland and seasonal wetlands and currently the richest reserve in terms of biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula, located only 100. km to the northwest from Gibraltar.All this information permits, for the first time, the quantification of the vegetation structure of the ancient coastal plain and the modelling of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the MIS 3 coastal shelf off Gibraltar more...

This paper reviews the sedimentological and geomorphological imprints of prehistoric and historical tsunamis in the four main estuaries of SW Spain. These imprints include beach erosion, filling of intertidal channels, deposition of bioclastic layers, washover fans and reworked aeolian sheets and the breaching of spits and tombolos. Most of these imprints were caused by the 218-209. BC and AD. 1755 tsunamis, although evidence of other tsunamis has been identified. In these two events, effects on human populations were severe and diverse, such as human loss of life, changes in coastal settlements and international borders, damage to port infrastructure or flooding of marsh and inhabited areas. New radiocarbon reservoir data were included in order to obtain an approach to the recurrence period of these high-energy events (700-1000. years) in this area. Gobierno de España CTM2006- 06722/MAR, CGL2006-01412/BTE, CGL2010-15810/BTE, CGL2012- 30875 European Union SEJ-4770 Fundaçao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia PTDC/CTE-GIX/110205/2009 more...

El estudio de los materiales geológicos y las asociaciones de ostrácodos presentes en un testigo largo obtenido en el sur del Parque Nacional de Doñana (SO de España) permite inferir una evolución paleoambiental desde medios marinos someros (Plioceno Inferior) hasta un lagoon salobre (Pleistoceno Superior-Holoceno) y la implantación de sistemas eólicos ( more...

The Tinto River shows very high concentrations of toxic elements and acidity from its source in the mining area to its mouth. In this paper, we studied the evolution of the levels of toxic elements during part of the Quaternary from the analysis of fluvial deposits that, forming terraces, were originated by the dynamics of the Tinto River. Using a detailed geomorphological cartography, up to nine terrace levels were differentiated in the lower sector of the basin, whose ages range from the Pleistocene to the Holocene. Sampling and geochemical analyses (major elements and trace) were carried out in six of these levels, in addition to sediments of the current flood plain. The results of these analyses do not show any bias from the mid Pleistocene (T8 - Terrace 8) to the early Holocene (T1). Moreover, these geochemical contents are similar to the average values obtained by other authors for the entire South-Portuguese Zone of the Iberian Massif. However, the current sediments of the Tinto River (T0) show a sharp increase in the levels of As, Cu, Pb and Zn compared to the rest, which indicates a serious increment of contamination by toxic elements. Although there are evidences on the existence of a natural process of oxidation of sulfides since the Miocene, the amounts of toxic elements released should be very small compared to those generated since the beginning of the mining activities in the Iberian Pyrite Belt., This research was funded by two Spanish-FEDER projects (AMB99-0226-C03, CGL2010-15810/BTE) and one Research Group of the Andalusia Board RNM-293. more...

The Last Interglacial is considered the most suitable episode from which to infer patterns of rapid sea-level change since its climatic conditions were similar to those of the present interglacial. However, specifying the true position of its sea level with high accuracy is very troublesome in the absence of sedimentological, erosional or even palaeontological markers. This study investigates the morphosedimentary evidence (beach deposits, cliff, notch and shore platform) of two highstands registered and dated during MIS 5 stage by U-series dating in the North of Morocco (Strait of Gibraltar). Bioerosive notches and mixed siliciclastic and carbonate deposits, high energy beaches with algal bioherms, were formed in coastal environments during MIS 5a. A sea-level height of + 10 m asl can be inferred for this substage. The record of MIS 5e substage is less defined in the geomorphological record, consisting of backshore/foreshore deposits located at + 13 to + 15 m asl. A tectonic uplift rate of ~ 0.1 mm/yr has been estimated for the last 130 kyr. These data are consistent with models of coastal uplifting calculated for the Strait of Gibraltar. more...

article i nfo This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Gorham's Cave occupational record during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition to illustrate the impacts of climate changes on human population dynamics in the Western Mediterranean. Geomorphologic evolution has been dated and appears to be driven primarily by coastal dune systems, sea-level changes and seismo-tectonic evolution. Continental and marine records are well correlated and used to interpret the Gorham's Cave sequence. Specific focus is given to the three hiatus sections found in Gorham's Cave during Heinrich periods 4, 3 and 2. These time intervals are compared with a wide range of regional geomorphologic, climatic, paleoseismic, faunal and archeological records. Our data compilations indicate that climatic and local geo- morphologic changes explain the Homo sapiens spp. occupational hiatuses during Heinrich periods 4 and 3. The last hiatus corresponds to the replacement of Homo neanderthalensis by H. sapiens. Records of dated cave openings, slope breccias and stalactite falls suggest that marked geomorphologic changes, seismic activ- ity and ecological perturbations occurred during the period when Homo replacement took place. more...

The multidisciplinary analysis of core sediments from Donana National Park, south Spain, permits to delimitate both the paleoenvironmental changes and the geochemical evolution of this area during the Holocene. In a first phase (10–6.5 kyr cal), this area was occupied by freshwater/brackish marshes with periodical alternation of dry periods and humid intervals. In a second phase, these marshes were inundated during the Flandrian transgression (~6.5 kyr cal), with the deposition of bioclastic sands. The third phase (6.5–3.6 kyr cal) is characterized by the transition to an old lagoon, with unpolluted, bottom sediments. The geochemical concentrations of these clayey sediments can be used as a geochemical background for present-day and future environmental evaluations of this area. In the following 600 years approximately, two tsunamis caused the partial infilling of this area with bioclastic, marine sediments. In the interval comprised between these two tsunamis, this lagoon was polluted with heavy metals derived from historical mining activities. This environmental contamination represents one of the oldest evidences of mining pollution in the world (>3 kyr cal BP). more...

On the basis of mineralogy, chemical and palaeontological data collected in a long core (93 m) three associations of facies are distinguished in the Late Pleistocene–Late Holocene evolution of the sedimentary infilling in nowadays Donana National Park. From the lower, middle and upper associations of facies three sedimentological phases have been established. In the oldest phase (> 44 kyr BP), this area was occupied by supratidal, freshwater marshes located close to a brackish lagoon and inundated suddenly by brackish-marine inputs. The following phase (44–7 kyr BP) is characterized by the transition from supratidal to intertidal conditions, with the alternation of freshwater or brackish marshes situated very close or in the margin of the former lagoon and submitted to episodes of desiccation or tidal inundation. The last phase (7–3.0 cal kyr BP) comprised: a) a marine inundation during the maximum of the Flandrian transgression (∼ 7–6.5 cal kyr BP); and b) the progressive infilling of a brackish lagoon with marine connection and permanent fresh water inputs (6.5–3.5 cal kyr BP), partially enclosed by the Donana spit. The phyllosilicate-rich, clayey–silty sequence of this latter infilling is interrupted by tsunami-like deposits at 4.2–3.6 cal kyr BP and 3.6–3.0 cal kyr BP. These high-energy events are characterized by textural (bimodal grain-size distribution, sorting decrease), mineralogical (crystallochemical changes in illites, increasing dolomite content) and geochemical changes (Ti anomaly), besides a sudden introduction of marine bivalves and microfauna and a strong decrease or the almost disappearance of the brackish ostracode assemblage. Ages of these deposits coincide with those indicated for other tsunamigenic layers detected in the southwestern Spanish coasts and some deep cores collected near the African–European plate boundary. more...

This review analyses the ostracod record in Holocene tsunami deposits, using an overview of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impact on its recent populations and the associated tsunamigenic deposits, together with results from numerous investigations of other Holocene sequences. Different features such as the variability of the local assemblages, population density, species diversity, age population structure (e.g., percentages of adults and juvenile stages) or taphonomical signatures suggest that these microorganisms may be included amongst the most promising tracers of these high-energy events in marshes, lakes, lagoons or shallow marine areas. more...

Integrated analysis of a 50-m long sedimentary core collected in the central part of the Odiel estuary (SW Atlantic coast of Spain) allows delineation of the main paleoenvironmental changes that occurred in this area during the Holocene. Eight sedimentary facies were deposited in the last ca . 9000 years BP, confirming a transgressive–regressive cycle that involves the transition from fluvial to salt marsh deposits with intermediate marine tidal deposits. A storm event is detected at ca . 5705 14 C years BP (mean calibrated age) with distinct lithostratigraphical, textural, geochemical, and palaeontological features. more...

Four phases are distinguished in the Mid-Holocene evolution of the southwestern Donana National Park (SW Spain), based on the multidisciplinary study of sediments in drill cores. In the oldest phase (> 5500–5400 cal. years BP), a coastal, brackish lagoon occupied the central part of the study area, partly enclosed by the Donana spit and limited by fluvial levees. An evolution from subtidal to intertidal conditions characterized the areas located close to the inner side of the Donana spit during the same phase. The following phase (∼5400–5200 cal. years BP) is characterized by a high-energy event (tsunami?), which caused the breakthrough of the Donana spit and the creation of new littoral strands in the inner areas. In the first period of the third phase (∼5200–4200 cal. years BP), estuarine infilling was probably the dominant process, with the accumulation of phyllosilicate-rich clays in the lagoon bed. This was followed by a renewed phase of instability (∼4200–4100 cal. years BP) indicated by the presence of fine storm-lain deposits and thicker, probably tsunami-induced shelly deposits. The last phase (∼4100–3700 cal. years BP) comprises: a) an infilling period, with a diminution of the marine influence; and b) two new high-energy events, which caused the erosion of the Donana spit and the creation of new cheniers. In the last 7000 years, the comparison of these results with a revision of both geological and historical records has revealed the occurrence of twenty tsunamis (at least) during this period in Portugal and southern Spain. Evidences of these high-energy events are washover fans, bioclastic coarse-sized layers within salt marsh deposits or the presence of giant boulders and pebbles. The determination of the recurrence period is very difficult owing to the very scarce data, although our data and other authors do not discard a possible periodicity of 2000 years for a cycle of two events separated by 300–400 years. more...

Ostracods are microcrustaceans that grow by moulting (eight to nine instars in most cases) and, consequently, studies of its populations need the application of some special techniques. The population age structure techniques [Whatley, in: Ostracoda in the Earth Sciences, 1988, pp. 245–256] are a simple statistical method to estimate paleoenvironmental conditions in fossil/Recent populations of ostracods. For its application, it is necessary to determine the percentages of each instar present in the samples studied, in order to analyze the different types of population age structure histograms and their (paleo-)environmental interpretations. Some potential applications are the (paleo-)energy levels or the sedimentation rates. In this paper, these special techniques are applied to Recent populations of the ostracod Pontocythere elongata collected in littoral sediments of southwestern Spain. In this area, the relative percentages of this species and the adult percentages are closely related with depth and consequently this species was used as a bathymetrical tracer in shallow Neogene areas of the Guadalquivir Basin. In addition, a first three-step multivariate analysis permits the definition of three groups, closely related to the theoretical models proposed by Whatley: (a) Group 1 structure or biocoenosis, present either in Recent low- to medium-energy environments located in erosional coastal stretches and Neogene fair-weather conditions; (b) Group 2 structure or high-energy thanatocoenosis, observed either in Recent river mouths with groynes and Neogene storm and post-storm conditions; and (c) Group 3 structure or low-energy thanatocoenosis, characteristic of Recent, progradational coastal areas and present in the Recent–Neogene deeper areas analyzed in this paper (30–40 m depth). This separation is mainly controlled by intrinsic factors (i.e. the natural growth of this species), whereas the extrinsic factors (i.e. the hydrodynamic levels) are only a minor cause of the distribution of this species in the area studied. more...

Three steps have been established during the Holocene formation of the bar-built estuary of Las Nuevas (Doñana National Park, Spain), on the basis of the clay mineralogy variations and the palaeontological record. The first step is characterized by the presence of ostracodes and homogeneous quantities of clay minerals (17–20% illite, 25–29% smectites), values of smectite (0.64–0.70) and illite (0.60–0.70) crystallinity indexes, and the ratio of AlVI/(FeVI + MgVI) in illite (0.46–0.47). This zone is interpreted as a very shallow lagoon with euryhaline conditions. The presence of roots, the progressive disappearance of foraminifers and an increase in the smectite content (up to 35%) define the second step. A salt-marsh environment with low-energy hydrodynamic conditions is deduced for this zone. The third step is characterized by an increase in illite content (up to 35%), and a decrease of the smectite content (up to 21%). The smectite crystallinity index decreased to 0.38, whereas the illite ratio AlVI/(FeVI + MgVI) decreased to 0.36. In this zone, the ostracode assemblage contains numerous juvenile stages of coastal species coinciding with lumachelle accumulations of the estuarine bivalves, abundant foraminifers and the presence of charophytes. This zone represents a strong marine input, probably caused by storms. more...

The application of the regional marine 14 C reservoir effect (Δ R ) to obtain an accurate calibration of conventional marine shell 14 C dates requires prior research concerning the oceanographic conditions and the Δ R of that region. Rodriguez-Ramirez and Yanez-Camacho [A. Rodriguez-Ramirez, C.M. Yanez-Camacho, Formation of chenier plain of the Donana marshland (SW Spain): Observations and geomorphic model, Marine Geology 254 (2008) 187–196] and afterwards A. Rodriguez-Ramirez, J.A. Morales, J. Borrego and E.G. San Miguel in a reply [A. Rodriguez-Ramirez, J.A. Morales, J. Borrego, E.G. San Miguel, Reply to the comment on “Formation of chenier plain of the Donana marshland (SW Spain): Observations and geomorphic model” by A. Rodriguez-Ramirez and C.M. Yanez-Camacho [Marine Geology 254 (2008) 187–196], Marine Geology 263 (2009) 123–125] to the comment by J. Rodriguez-Vidal, F. Ruiz and L.M. Caceres on the paper mentioned above [J. Rodriguez-Vidal, F. Ruiz, L. M. Caceres, Comment on “Formation of chenier plain of the Donana marshland (SW Spain): Observations and geomorphic model” by A. Rodriguez-Ramirez, C.M. Yanez-Camacho [Marine Geology 254 (2008) 187–196], Marine Geology 263 (2009) 120–122] use, in both cases, not only incorrect Δ R values for the calibration of 14 C dates obtained from shell samples collected from the east coast of the Gulf of Cadiz, but they also confuse the Δ R concept with that of R ( t ), the 14 C reservoir age. Because the misunderstanding of these concepts by these authors and, in the first case, also their failure to take into account the Δ R values obtained by us (and already published) from the east coast of Gulf of Cadiz, all the calibrated dates presented either in the first paper or in the reply cannot be accepted. Here I present a new calibrated dataset using accurate Δ R values and I recommend that the conclusions obtained by Rodriguez-Ramirez and their collaborators be revised, as J. Rodriguez-Vidal, F. Ruiz and L.M. Caceres proposed in their comment. more...

Evidence of the AD 1755 tsunami consisting of the same type of accretions produced by the re-deposition of earlier sediments, has been recorded at three different height along the coast of Gibraltar: Along a shallow sandy shore, the tsunami wave reached a run-up of 2–3 m, whereas along steep, cliff–lined shores (Rosia Bay) it surpassed 5 m. An overwash deposit was also identified at the bottom of a lagoon (The Inundation), at 0.5 m b.s.l., on the isthmus that joins the Rock with the mainland. Southern submerged platforms (Vladi’s Reef) were also affected by the erosional backwash to a depth of 22 m. The tsunamigenic sediments exhibit a bimodal granulometry, mainly composed of sands with a coarser fraction composed of marine faunal shells remains, together with larger clasts derived from the rocky substrate. All remobilized sediments were dated by historical methods and radiocarbon dating. Se han registrado evidencias del tsunami de 1755 localizadas a tres alturas diferentes a lo largo de la costa de Gibraltar, todas ellas como resultado del mismo tipo de acreción producida por el re-depósito de sedimentos previos. A lo largo de las costas bajas y arenosas estudiadas, la ola del tsunami alcanzó una altura de 2 a 3 m, mientras que en litorales acantilados y con fuertes pendientes sobrepasó los 5 m. Se ha identificado un posible registro sedimentario en el fondo de una laguna costera (Inundation), a 0.5 m b.n.m., en el istmo que une la Roca con el continente. Por otro lado, las plataformas sumergidas, como la meridional de Vladi’s Reef, sufrieron erosión por la retirada de las olas a una profundidad de hasta 22 m. Los sedimentos tsunamigénicos poseen una granulometría bimodal, compuesta principalmente de arenas con una fracción más gruesa de restos de conchas marinas, junto con cantos mayores de rocas provenientes del sustrato. Todos los sedimentos removilizados por el tsunami han sido datados por métodos históricos y de radiocarbono. Research supported by the Spanish-FEDER Project CGL2010-15810/BTE, AHRC Research Grants (AH/E009409/1), and COST-action TD0902 SPLASHCOS (Submerged Prehistoric Archeology and Landscapes of the Continental Shelf). We thank reviewers and guest-editors for helpful comments. It is a contribution to IGCPs 526 (Risks, resources, and record of the past on the continental shelf), 567 (Earthquake Archaeology and Palaeoseismology), and 588 (Preparing for coastal change). more...

Between 218 and 209 BC, the western coasts of Iberia suffered the impact of a historical tsunami, with an epicentre probably located in the Atlantic Ocean near the Cape St. Vincent area (SW Portugal). Palaeogeographical changes in the River Guadalquivir estuary, the ancient Roman Lacus Ligustinus, have been recorded in erosional and depositional landforms, both stratigraphically and as landscape relicts. The tsunamigenic waves (run-up of w5 m) and their subsequent backwash eroded the previous littoral spits transversally, generating rectilinear cliffs and incisions. The littoral foredunes were also eroded and reactivated as transgressive dunes over the edge of the marshes. Former coastal sediments (w520e100 BC) generated overwash deposits, ebb tide deltas and sand sheets within the estuary, as well as a subsequent bioclastic beach on the lagoon shore, defining the post-tsunami (130 BCe80 AD) estuarine shoreline (Roman lagoon). Some coastal pre-Roman (7th to 3rd centuries BC) human settlements were abandoned, and later, in the Roman period (1st century AD), saltworks were installed. Morphological and sedimentological changes in the coast triggered by this event were similar or greater than the changes in coastal features related to the AD 1755 Lisbon tsunami. more...

Several sets of staircased Quaternary marine deposits can be observed along the Gibraltar coast ranging from 1 to 210 m above the present mean sea level. Geomorphological mapping establishes, from the relationship between shore, scree and dune sedimentary formations, five main morphotectonic steps on the Rock: marine terraces between 1 and 25 m, 30–60 m, 80–130 m, 180– 210 m, and above. Each terrace level and its slope-aeolian linked sediments is backed by a steep relict sea cliff margin, so forming a composite cliff. The most recent coastal landforms and sediments are associated with the last 250 ka linked to Oxygen Isotope Stages (OIS) 1, 3, 5 and 7. These landforms determine a morphosedimentary highstand-lowstand sequence, with several staircased and offlapped episodes, comprising a major morphotectonic step. A well-developed palaeocliff usually separates the highstand marine terraces of OIS 9 from those of OIS 7. The Gibraltar mean tectonic uplift value of 0.0570.01 mm/yr is maintained from 200 ka to the present. Before this, at least to 250 ka, the mean uplift rate was higher (0.3370.05 mm/yr), possibly compatible with major tectonic events in response to a NNW–SSE compressive stress field between Africa and Iberia. European Union (UE) EU MEDOC Programme: 2002-02-4.1-U-048 more...

18 pages, 7 figures, 1 table, 67 references.-- Ruiz Muñoz et al., Four phases are distinguished in the Late Holocene evolution of the southwestern Doñana National Park (SW Spain), based on a multidisciplinary analysis of the sediments present in drill cores. In the oldest phase (>2400–2500 cal. yr BP), a coastal lagoon (the Roman Lacus Ligustinus) was recognized in the central part of this area, partly closed by the Doñana spit and limited by fluvial levees. The following phase (∼2400–2200 cal. yr BP) is characterized by high-energy events, which caused the breakthrough of the Doñana spit and the creation of new littoral strands in the inner areas. In the third phase (∼2200–2050 cal. yr BP), this new outlet was closed, coinciding with the progradation of the Doñana spit. The last phase (∼2050 cal. yr BP–Recent) comprises three periods: (a) an unstable period (∼2050–1950 cal. yr BP), with the deposit of cheniers over the previous levees; (b) an infilling period, with a diminution of the marine influence; and (c) the appearance of temporary ponds between the emerged levees and cheniers., This work was funded by two Spanish DGYCIT Projects (AMB99-0226-C03-03 and BTE-2000-1153) and three Research Groups of the Andalusia Board (RNM-135, RNM-238 and RNM-293). This paper is a contribution to the IGCP 396 and 437. more...

This work compares the geomorphologic evolution of the Huelva coast (SW Spain), some climatic-oceanographic data of the Cadiz Gulf and the recent storm record of this zone, covering the last 4 decades (1956-1996). An interesting correlation was found between the southwestern wind periodicity, the number of storm periods and the beach ridges observed in the main spits (El Rompido and Donana). The spectral analysis of the wind time series permits to establish two most probable levels of periodicity: 6 and 9-10 years. Both periods coincide with the storm record and the creation of new beach ridges after a high-energy period. Beach damage, another storm-induced effect, was analysed by deducing different implications for the future management of tourist localities. more...

Archaeological, palynological and geological studies carried out in the San Bernardo district (Sevilla) allowed us to reconstruct the changes that have taken place in vegetation and landscape relief over the areas studied. Evidence of diverse human activity in the area was also examined. These changes appear to have been influenced by frequent flooding in the area. more...

7 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, 11 references., Since the last Holocene sea level rise, about 6900 BP, a series of depositional littoral landforms has been generated al Ihe outlet of the Guadalquivir River, with progradation along the predominant longshore drift (towards the east). The first coastal progradation occurred between 6900 and 4500 BP. The Doñana and (perhaps) La Algaida spits, bolh associated with the oldest and highest marshland in the Doñana National Park, are assumed to have been developed at an early stage. Originally, the Guadalquivir estuary was wider and deeper than now, and its environment was mainly marine. The oldest littoral formations have been dated as ca. 4735 BP. They show erosional events, and indicate the breaking-up of earlier spit-barriers to form inlets. The marine environment became increasingly dominant, with heavy erosion of cliffs and a retreating coastline. This period was followed by another sedimentary cycle (4200-2600 BP) that surrounded the earlier eroded barriers. The size of the estuary decreased due to the increasing marsh deposits, and a fluvial environment was born. About 2600 years ago, progradation gave way to a new period of intense erosion. The resulting morphology of littoral strands and erosional surfaces permitted the return t0 a marine environment. The shoreline again retreated. From 2300 BP, coastal progradation has prevailed, with an erosional interruption at 1000 BP. The present-day outlet of the Guadalquivir is an estuarine delta of inactive marshland (the Doñana National Park), the dominant environment is fluvial., Financial support was provided by Spanish DGlCYT Project PB91 -0622-C03-01 and PB94-1090-C03-01. It is a contribution to IGCP Project 367. more...