Abstract
This work analyzes the evolution of the large shifting dune included in the Corrubedo Natural Park from 1956 until the present day. The analysis was carried out using aerial images, orthophotographs, topographic surveys and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. Variations were analyzed in terms of four different aspects: evolution of pathways in each period, changes in the position of the mobile dune front and the degree of vegetation cover, all between 1956 and 2017; and variations in elevation and volume of the dune system between 2001 and 2015. To analyze these aspects, geospatial and geostatistical techniques were employed, which revealed that the dune front had undergone two different phases: one until the 1980s, with a mean seaward advance of 32 m and another one between the 1980 s and 2017, when the front prograded to the continent, with an approximate mean advance of 82 m. Loss of volume, related to the expansion of the mobile dune towards the north, was confirmed in this sector. It is evident that these changes are closely linked to anthropic influence, due to sand extraction until the early 1990s and, more recently, due to an increase in the number of visitors to the Natural Park. The results obtained highlight the need to carry out detailed studies to understand the evolution of this system and to prevent further damage in the future. Moreover, based on these analyses, a strategy to improve coastal and environmental management in the Corrubedo Natural Park could be designed.
Highlights
Several publications have analyzed coastal dune systems, both at a global level and within Spain
In line with the aforementioned, this work reflects the importance of key factors, both of natural and human origin, for the existing variations in Corrubedo in order to measure the relevance of these factors for its past dynamics and their role in the present and future of Corrubedo. This is a key element since this study aims to lay the foundations for a more efficient management of the Corrubedo Natural Park
To analyze variations since 2001, the analysis focused on the peak sector of the dune system, about which abundant information is available
Summary
Several publications have analyzed coastal dune systems, both at a global level and within Spain. Other works have focused on the dynamics and the evolution of these zones, from a geomorphological point of view [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12] and paying attention to anthropic influence in these systems (e.g., References [13,14,15,16]). In this case the research focuses on an integrated analysis using different techniques in the large shifting dune within the Corrubedo Natural Park. It is a singular formation in the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula
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