Cliff vulnerability assessment on rocky coasts in southern Portugal.

Moura, Delminda; Cristina, Sónia

Cliff vulnerability assessment on rocky coasts in southern Portugal.

2021

Moura, Delminda | Cristina, Sónia

Rocky cliffs are widely distributed around the world’s coasts and are subject to natural and anthropogenic pressures. The coastal evolution and erosional processes of the southern Algarve coast in Portugal have been previously studied. However, a detailed analysis of the relationship between lithological characteristics and cliff vulnerability to erosion is lacking. Therefore, in this work we focused on lithological facies variation and structures of the cliffs from Olhos de Água to Albandeira. We combined a variety of data, including those derived from traditional field-based and laboratory analysis, remote sensing (UAV image analysis) and photogrammetry. We identified multiple key forcers concerning cliff vulnerability to erosion: high vertical facies variation, intense karstification, multiple notches and marine caves. Furthermore, our lab analysis revealed differences in CaCO3 content for each lithofacies, resulting in alternating rock strength and leading to the formation of multiple structural notches into the cliff face. A classification of cliff vulnerability was developed based on a combination of these lithological and geomorphological factors. The sector Arrifes - Galé was classified as most vulnerable; Sector Galé - Armação de Pêra Bay was classified as least vulnerable in the study area.

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