Relación entre la evolución geomorfológica y el uso humano de las zonas costeras: Ejemplo de Isla Cristina (Huelva, SO España)

Abstract

This work studies the recentmost evolution of /s/a Cristina as a consequence of the human changes occurred in the environment, mainly related to harbour structures and urban building. The natural evolution, previous to an intensive human influence, consisted of a primary longitudinal accretion of a barrier island limited by two tidal channels. This primary construction was followed by a progradation process occurred in relation with the evolution of an ebb-tidal delta located in front of the western inlet. The construction of two jetties to stabilize this inlet modified the pattern ofwave action inducing the last stage ofprogradation. An extensive urbanization around the original town modified the tidal drainage and signified the transformation ofaeolian dune fields and salt marshes in new urban areas