Dynamics and Evolution of a Barrier-lagoon Complex (Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain)

Ladeira Beach is a north-south, 1.3 km long and 88-120 m wide dune-beach complex, which protects a 0.88 km² intertidal area, which at high tide forms a lagoon. The beach is a low-tide terrace reflective beach. Three rivers enter the complex, merging and connecting the open sea by a narrow inlet at t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of coastal research 2007-01, p.985-989
Main Authors: Nombela, M.A., Clemente, F., González-Villanueva, R., Pérez-Arlucea, M., Alejo, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beaches
Floods
Flow velocity
Fluvial transport
Inlets
Ocean currents
Ocean tides
River deltas
Sediment transport
Sediments
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Summary:Ladeira Beach is a north-south, 1.3 km long and 88-120 m wide dune-beach complex, which protects a 0.88 km² intertidal area, which at high tide forms a lagoon. The beach is a low-tide terrace reflective beach. Three rivers enter the complex, merging and connecting the open sea by a narrow inlet at the north. An ebb tidal delta is developed at the mouth. Tidal deposits consist of sub- to intertidal sand flats and mid-channel ramps, mixed intertidal mud-sand flats, and intertidal to supratidal marshes. Tidal-fluvial estuarine and wave processes have been studied. Measured fluvial discharges obtained in the rivers give very low values in relation to average figures obtained in previous studies. Tidal currents flood and ebb through a 50 m wide inlet into the inner intertidal area, causing a funnel effect. Flood tidal currents show maximum velocities of 1.5 m s−1, and 1.90 m s−1for flood and ebb. Calculated flow competence indicates movements of sedimentary particles up to 8 mm, which accumulate on an ebb tidal delta. Flood currents allow 10 mm particles to move and accumulate in tidal ramps in the intertidal areas. Sediment transport values obtained with Helley-Smith sediment traps give values from 0.01 to 0.4 kg m−1s−1. Sediments in the intertidal area have a strong fluvial influence in grain size and composition. Studies have been carried out to control natural conditions and assess the influence of human modifications since 2003. The aim of these studies has been to provide a natural framework for the recovery of unproductive areas, and to help in the management of the natural areas.
ISSN:0749-0208
1551-5036