ABSTRACTS / RESUMES - Comitato Glaciologico Italiano

M. PILAR FUMANAL, CARLOS FERRER
& ANA BLAzQUEZ
Geomorphological evolution of the Valencian coastline
during Upper Quaternary
(Spain, Western Mediterranean)
Departamento de Geografia, Universidad de Valencia.
Aptdo. 22060, 46080 Valencia, Spain
The study of Pleistocene sedimentary series (dunes, beaches
and colluvial deposits) at the Southern coast of Valencia
(Spain) lets us know about geomorphological changes
of that littoral area during Upper Quaternary.
As for its structure, the area corresponds to the outer units
of the Betic System, and shows Mesocenozoic calcareous
Iythologies. This range forms a line of low and middle cliffs
interrupted by low coast segments as it reaches the littoral
area. Methodology employed involves geomorphological
study of the area, analysis of sedimentary bodies (bio and
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lythofacies) and obtention of numerical chronologies of the
most important units.
A number of stratigraphical records have been located according
to these data on the following typical sectors: 1. Denia
sector (Les Rotes and Cova Tallada); 2. Xabia sector (Muntanyars);
3. Ifac sector (Moraira, Fustera, Bassetes, Banys de
la Reina); 4. Altea sector (Olla and Penyes de l'Arabi).
On this study we have been able to determine the chronostratigraphical
and paleogeographical sequence of the area
and draw some conclusions, such as: 1. The determination
of the eustatical oscillations of Western Mediterranean during
recent Quaternary, and their geomorphological influence
on the Valencian coast.; 2. Climatic changes and associate
morphogenetic processes; 3. The role of Neotectonics
in landscape configuration.
The main sequence consists of two big colluvial series (associated
respectively to Upper and Middle Paleolythic)
with thick dunar bodies intercalated. Several fossil beaches
found at the surface approximately between 0 and 4 m above
sea level point out previous transgressive periods. These
deposits form nowadays a detritic cliff modelled by the Holocene
sea. .