Niveles escalonados de cuevas marinas cuaternarias en la costa oriental de Gibraltar

Abstract

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, 160-210 m, and above. Each terrace level and its shore linked morphologies is backed by a steep relict sea cliff with sea caves and notches along its landward margin. Staircased sea cave levels are representative of Quaternary hightstand position. Inside the caves remains of both notch and boring levels are found. We have distinguished three main sea cave levels at the Eastern flank of the Rock: A, at present sea level; B, +55 m; C, +180 m.