Geomorphology and sedimentology of Porto Pino, SW Sardinia, Western Mediterranean

This paper presents a detailed (1:4000) geomorphological, sedimentological and ecological map of a Mediterranean microtidal wave-dominated beach system and adjacent inner shelf. This map is an innovative cartographic product that integrates a range of processes of present and past timeframes. It is part of a larger cartography on the coastal geomorphology of Sardinia (Italy) aiming to facilitate coastal management practices and future scientific research. The study area is located in SW Sardinia (Italy), and focuses on Porto Pino beach, an important tourist destination of semi-pristine nature, facing environmental pressures common to many coastal Mediterranean settings. In this context, the main human impact on coastal dune habitats is described and a full environmental characterization of the beach system is presented

Sediment dynamics of a temperate water carbonate system of the midwestern Australian coast

An integrated analysis of sediment, hydrodynamic, habitat and geophysical data was carried out to reconstruct the sediment budget of two shallow (< 30 m) coastal embayments characterised by temperate water carbonate sedimentation. The interaction between coastal geomorphology, infrastructure and sediment transport pathways influences beach erosion. The linkage between natural processes and ongoing sediment bypassing and maintenance dredging activities was explained. This information is beneficial to support management of similar locations of regional Western Australia

Geomorphology of marine and transitional terraces and raised shorelines between punta paulo and porvenir, tierra del fuego, straits of magellan – Chile

© 2017 The Author(s). This paper presents a coastal geomorphology map of some of the Chilean region of the Straits of Magellan, and is based on a combined geomorphological and sedimentological approach applicable to a larger section of the coast. The mapped area is located in Tierra del Fuego between the Segunda Angostura of the Straits of Magellan and Bahía Inútil. A detailed geomorphological map was compiled at a scale of 1:50,000, describing a sequence of 4 marine and transitional (glacio-lacustrine to marine) terrace orders and raised marine shorelines found between 0 and + 20 m. These features are mainly linked to glacio-eustasy and secondarily to Holocene neo-tectonics. This research derives from the interpretation of aerial photographs and remote sensing imagery along with geomorphological-stratigraphic field surveys and geochemical data. The Main Map illustrates an area with dominant palaeo-glacial and glacio-lacustrine morphology with extensive lacustrine deposits and well-developed lake systems characterising the Porvenir region

Using recreational echo-sounders for marine science studies

In recent years, recreational echo-sounders, such as the Humminbird, Lowrance and Simrad Yachting brands, have become more advanced. These brands now offer models with the ability to log not just depth, but acoustic data from the different transducers. This paper presents methods for converting, processing and visualising data collected by recreational sounders. Examples of visualising fish aggregations and seafloor mapping are given. The examples show both the potential and the drawbacks of using such systems

Carbonate sediment dynamics and compartmentalisation of a highly modified coast: Geraldton, Western Australia

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. The coastal zone off Geraldton in temperate Midwestern Australia was investigated to identify sediment dynamics and sediment budget components of two main embayments. An integrated analysis of hydrodynamics, geomorphology, sediments and habitat data was required to overcome a lack of previous examinations of sediment dynamics in the region. The seaward extent of the nearshore transport system was assessed. An improved understanding of coastal sediment dynamics and its relationship to coastal stability and assets was also achieved. The system is complex, with biogenic sediment input, as well as carbonate dune and river-derived sediments. Coastal erosion at Geraldton is mitigated by nourishment activities which require sand bypassing. Natural and artificial sediment sinks were identified, and are mainly located in the northern embayment where beach erosion is more significant. A dredged shipping channel needed to provide access to port facilities modifies the local sediment dynamics. This study provides new information for managing the Geraldton coast, which may be applicable to similar regions of Western Australia and carbonate coasts elsewhere

A comparison of geomorphic settings, sediment facies and benthic habitats of two carbonate systems of Western Mediterranean Sea and South Western Australia: Implications for coastal management

© Coastal Education and Research Foundation, Inc. 2016.A similarity exists between the coastal areas of South Western Australia and South Sardinia (Italy-Western Mediterranean Sea), as temperate water carbonate sedimentation dominates the inner shelf at these locations. The seagrass carbonate factory regulates the deposition of modern bioclasts, and the distribution of seagrass meadows and accumulation of bioclasts is controlled by similar processes at the study sites. These biogenic components are mixed to quartz-feldspar sands producing significantly comparable sediment facies, which have been previously documented for Esperance Bay (South Western Australia) and off Porto Pino beaches (Sardinia). Whilst the geological settings of these areas show similar outcropping lithologies, the clastic component of these mixed biogenic and quartz-feldpar sand facies is transported by different agents in the Australian and Sardinian site. In this paper, the similarity between sediment facies is highlighted and their comparison has produced new insights into the processes regulating sediment accumulation in two hydrodynamically different embayments. The characteristics of seagrass beds and their link to the beach system are also compared and set within the context of Mediterranean and South Australian bioregions. These outcomes are relevant for beach management, as European and Australian environmental regulations are compared herein

Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Benthic Habitat as Tools for Supporting Coastal Management: Comparison between Australian and Mediterranean Beach Systems

© Coastal Education and Research Foundation, Inc. 2018. The characterization of a nearshore system using geomorphological, sedimentological and ecological data is regarded as baseline knowledge to effectively manage the coast and warrant coastal conservation. Particularly in areas where sediment nourishment is a regular practice, the differentiation between in-situ sediment production and artificial placement, revealed by detailed sediment analyses, is often an important task. In Esperance Bay (Western Australia) sediment nourishment and dumping are ongoing since the 1950s. The comparison with a Mediterranean site (Porto Pino, Sardinia, Italy) has improved the understanding of processes that regulate sediment distribution in the urbanized beach system of Esperance Bay. Porto Pino is a Mediterranean microtidal wave dominated embayment, characterized by environmental conditions similar to those of Esperance (i.e. climate, sediments, geology and benthic habitats), where sediment nourishment was not undertaken previously and the sediment facies can be considered as a natural analogue of the Esperance sediments. The results presented in this paper are useful for Esperance coastal managers as their provide further insights on the distribution of sediment derived from artificial placement

Geomorphological and sedimentological surrogates for the understanding of seagrass distribution within a temperate nearshore setting (Esperance Western Australia)

© 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Seagrass meadows are important benthic habitats contributing to many aspects of ecological community health, beach stability and sediment supply. Relationships between morpho-sedimentary features and distribution of seagrass meadows were investigated through an integrated analysis of geomorphology, sediments and benthic habitat structure in a temperate nearshore setting (Esperance Bay, Western Australia). The results demonstrate that seagrass distribution is related to gradients in sediment texture and composition, hydrodynamics and human impact. Dense seagrass meadows occurred in more sheltered regions of the bay, whereas sparser vegetation was found in areas of higher wave energy and artificial activities (like ship anchoring and dredging activities). A preferential retention of heavier siliciclastic sediments was recorded in the seagrass meadows especially in areas with high sediment supply resulting in elevated beds and formation of intermates. Sediment characteristics suggest that carbonate sediment is transported onshore from the seagrass meadow supplying the beach system. The combined analyses of geomorphological features and sediment characteristics at Esperance have allowed identification of a prevalent eastward oriented sediment transport current. Seagrass beds are confirmed to be a sediment source in terms of sediment budget contributing to beach stability. Integrated geomorphological data, sediment analyses and benthic habitat mapping provide useful information for the management of coastal environments characterized by the presence of seagrass meadows by providing new insights on coastal processes

Management of MDR-TB from a human rights perspective, Azerbaidjan

<p>This paper illustrates a detailed geomorphological map (scale 1:50,000) of the marine and transitional terraces (glacio-lacustrine to marine) and raised shorelines linked to Holocene glacio-eustasy and neo-tectonics in the northern area of the Brunswick Penìnsula (Chilean region of the Strait of Magellan). The mapped area is located in Tierra del Fuego between the Segunda Angostura and Seno Otway. This map is the result of geomorphological field survey data integrated with the interpretation of aerial photographs and remote sensing imagery. The survey has allowed the mapping of a sequence of terraces and raised shorelines to be completed. The sequence mainly consists of four orders of marine and glacio-lacustrine terraced deposits, with elevations ranging from 25 to 1 m above mean sea level. The map also presents other landforms and deposits, with their formation linked to littoral, fluvial, glacial and aeolian processes.</p