Southern Coast Of Spain Research Articles

The Kids Are All Right: Futurity and Black German Childhood in SchwarzRund’s Biskaya (2017)

SchwarzRund’s Biskaya (2017) is an “Afroqueer” novel that follows the travails of Tue, a queer Black German woman whose life is marked by the quotidian struggles of queer Black folx in Germany. However, Biskaya is also a work of fantasy, since SchwarzRund created an island (Biskaya) in the Bay of Biscay along the southern coast of Spain and France. In the novel Biskaya is home to African-descended people who have both voluntarily and involuntarily migrated to Europe as part of the labour market for centuries. In this article I examine the role of children in the novel’s discussions about Black German futurity. I argue that in Biskaya, SchwarzRund combines Afrofuturist aesthetics, Black feminist thought, and queer futurity to present us with a utopia that is not perfect but is in a state of becoming thanks to people like Tue, who realize the importance of being hopeful and working towards a better future. I focus on the role that kinship plays in this Black, queer futurity, because Tue’s relationships, both biological and non-biological, both with peers and with elders and juniors, are a key part of her transformation into being more hopeful about the future. While it is the importance of non-biological kinship ties in the novel that helps make it so queer, it is the intergenerational relationships that make the novel Afrofuturist. I look at how children in the novel allow SchwarzRund to pose several questions about futurity that can help unite Black Germans across genders, sexualities, and generations and empower all Black German folx to see themselves as agents of change.

A method to establish marine bio-regions in the pelagic ecosystem based on phytoplanktonic communities. Aplication to the southern Spanish coast

Bioregions in the pelagic ecosystem are frequently established on the basis of remotely sensed properties of the sea surface, such as sea surface temperature or sea surface chlorophyll concentration. Those works dealing with the regionalization of the marine ecosystem by means of the use of properties of the water column are less frequent, and even less those that obtain the data from periodic in situ monitoring programs, which are scarce. In this work we use time series of micro, nano and pico-phytoplanktonic abundances in the upper 100 m of the continental shelves of the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea from the projects STOCA and RADMED (southern coast of Spain, Western Mediterranean). The use of times series allows us to estimate the median phytoplanktonic abundances of several phytoplanktonic groups along the water column. These statistics differ substantially from those abundances obtained for one particular campaign, reflecting the large seasonal and inter-annual variability of phytoplanktonic communities. These median profiles, estimated for the four seasons of the year and for several phytoplanktonic groups characterize each of the locations sampled in the aforementioned monitoring programs and are used for establishing the similarity between them. Then, these locations are grouped using a cluster analysis. Using some simulations from numerical experiments we determine which metrics and methods of analysis are the more suitable ones for the regionalization of the area of study. A bootstrap method is also used to determine which differences among bioregions can be considered as statistically significant. Despite the existence of a fast current that connects the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea, our results show that the outer part of the Gulf of Cadiz shelf, and that of the Alboran Sea, can be considered as two differentiated bioregions. The latter region shows a higher productivity with a higher abundance of large cells such as diatoms, and the dominance of Synechococcus bacteria over Prochlorococcus ones.

Use of anaerobic digestate as biofertilizer: Another step forward in the valorisation of the invasive brown macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae

The rapid and aggressive colonization of the invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae on the southern coast of Spain has caused an unprecedented environmental, health and economic impact. At present, the scientific community has focused on the valorisation of R. okamurae waste, as tonnes of collected biomass from this species end up in landfills. In this sense, the aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the viability of the R. okamurae digestate as biofertilizer to growth the Mediterranean forage species Avena strigosa (black oat). Two anaerobic digestates, derived from the anaerobic digestion of the thermally pre-treated (120 °C; 45 min) and the zeolite-assisted mechanically pre-treated invasive macroalgae, were used in this study. Both digestates were compared with a commercial inorganic nutritive solution. The effect of different fertilizers and water availability on forage height, aerial, root and seed biomass, as well as photosynthetic activity and macro- and micronutrient forage content were studied. The control treatment showed the lowest height at the end of the experiment (0.38 m) and the digestate from the thermally pre-treated macroalgae treatment had the highest one (0.59 m). Final fresh and dry aerial biomass was separately significantly dependent on both fertilizer type and water stress. Final root and seed biomass were not significantly different among the treatments studied. The lowest photosynthetic activity was obtained from the control treatment (3.61 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), while the highest was reached by the digestate where R. okamurae was thermally pre-treated (4.96 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). The results of this study show that both digestates tested can be used effectively as organic fertilizer in the cultivation of black oats, obtaining production efficiency values similar (digestate from mechanically pre-treated macroalgae) or higher (digestate from thermally pre-treated macroalgae) than inorganic fertilizer.

Determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the body wall of Holothuria tubulosa by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Use of this bioindicator for the study of marine pollution

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of increasing concern due to the ecotoxicological risk they pose to marine organisms. Bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan are especially noteworthy for their toxic and long-lasting impact on the environment. The present research evaluates the presence and bioaccumulation of 20 EDCs (12 bisphenol homologues, 7 parabens and triclosan) in the body wall of Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin 1791 specimens by using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This part of the sea cucumber is used by humans as food, mainly in Asian Eastern countries. The key variables in ultrasound-assisted compound extraction and chromatographic processes were optimized. The method was validated, obtaining acceptable analytical parameters according to the used guide. The linearity of the method was statistically validated (R2 > 99% and Plof > 5% in all cases). The limits of detection were between 0.1 and 0.7 ng g−1 and the limits of quantification were between 0.5 and 2 ng g−1. For the determination of the accuracy (trueness and precision) of the method, a recovery test was performed. Recovery rates ranged from 85.6% to 112.3%, and precision (in terms of standard deviation) was less than 15% in all cases. Specimens of Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin 1791 collected from 7 sampling areas on the Southern Coast of Spain were analyzed. The results revealed the presence of multiple compounds in all samples, with bisphenol A being the predominant bisphenol (100% of the samples) and methylparaben the most abundant paraben. Highest concentrations were found in areas with greater anthropogenic activity, indicating a situational trend. This study underscores the value of Holothuria tubulosa as a bioindicator of marine contamination, raising awareness about the presence and harmful effects of EDCs on marine life and emphasizing the need for conservation and protection strategies for aquatic ecosystems.

Efficacy of a Social Interaction Intervention in Early Postoperative Period to Improve Coping in Persons With an Ostomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of a social interaction intervention delivered during the early postoperative time period on the coping process in persons with a new ostomy. Randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 52 persons who underwent surgical management of colorectal including a fecal ostomy; 27 were randomly allocated to the intervention group and 25 to the control group. One participant allocated to the control group died before data collection; thus, findings are based on data from 51 participants. The study setting is the Regional University Hospital of Malaga, located on the southern coast of Spain. Ostomy visitors (persons living with an ostomy) were taught to listen to the experiences and the concerns of the participant and to serve as an example of an individual who has successfully learned to live with a fecal ostomy. The intervention was a visit with a person with a new ostomy during the early postoperative period. Control group participants were offered standard care that did not include the visit from a person with an ostomy. Outcome measures were taken from the Nursing Outcomes Classification taxonomy. The main outcome measure was coping; secondary outcome measures were health beliefs and acceptance of health status. Bivariate analyses were performed to evaluate differences between groups in terms of the primary and secondary outcomes. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictor variables of the primary outcome, and effect size calculations were used to differentiate statistical significance versus clinical relevance. There were no differences in demographic or pertinent characteristics of participants in the 2 groups. Participants who received the intervention achieved a higher mean coping process scores: 3.90 vs 3.19, P = .002 and Cohen d = 0.97. In addition, intervention group participants achieved a higher mean efficacy for the secondary outcomes: 3.78 versus 2.97 (P = .0004) and Cohen d = 1.11 for health beliefs, and 3.68 versus 2.83 (P = .0001) and Cohen d = 1.24 for acceptance of health status. Linear regression analysis indicated that the social interaction intervention (β= .799; P = .000) and undergoing urgent versus routine ostomy surgery (β=-.610; P = .005) were related to coping. Findings indicate that a visit with a trained person living with an ostomy facilitated coping and improved health beliefs and acceptance of health status.

The Punta de la Mona Rhodolith Bed: Shallow-Water Mediterranean Rhodoliths (Almuñecar, Granada, Southern Spain)

Shallow-water rhodolith beds are rare in the Mediterranean Sea and generally poorly known. The Punta de la Mona rhodolith bed extends for 16,000 square meters in shallow and oligotrophic waters at the southern coast of Spain, off Almuñecar in the Alborán Sea. We present a detailed analysis of the structure (rhodolith cover and density, rhodolith size and shape, sediment granulometry) and morphospecies composition of the bed along a depth gradient. A stratified sampling was carried out at six depths (9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 m), estimating rhodolith cover and abundance; rhodoliths were collected from one 30 by 30 cm quadrat for each transect, resulting in 18 samples and a total of 656 rhodoliths. The collected rhodoliths were measured and the coralline algal components identified morphoanatomically through a stereomicroscope and SEM. Sediment on the seafloor mainly consisted of pebbles and cobbles; the highest rhodolith cover occurred between 15 and 18 m, and the lowest at the shallowest and deepest transects (9 and 24 m). Mean Rhodolith size was similar throughout the depth range (23–35 mm) with a slight increase at 24 m, although the largest rhodoliths occurred at 21 m. In monospecific rhodoliths, size depended more on the forming species than on depth. We found 25 non-geniculate coralline morphospecies, nearly all rhodolith-forming morphospecies reported in the Mediterranean Sea in recent accounts. The highest morphospecies richness (18–19) and proportional abundance were found at intermediate depths (15–18 m), where rhodolith cover is also highest. Lithophyllum incrustans and Lithophyllum dentatum dominated at shallow depths (9–12 m), whereas Lithothamnion valens was the dominant species at intermediate and greater depths. Overall, the latter species was the most common in the rhodolith bed. The shallow-water rhodolith bed in Punta de la Mona is probably the most diverse in the Mediterranean Sea. This highlights the importance of the conservation of this habitat and, in general, emphasizes the role of the Alborán Sea as a diversity center of coralline algae. The Punta de la Mona example contradicts the common assumption in the geological literature that rhodolith beds are indicative of oligophotic environments with high nutrients levels.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis of UV filters in marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovinciallis) from the southern coast of Spain

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are a family of organic compounds widely used in sunscreens and personal care products (PCPs) as well as other materials such as plastics, toys and outdoor furniture, for their effectiveness in absorbing UVA and UVB radiation. These compounds directly enter the marine environment because of inefficient wastewater treatments and anthropogenic activities, posing a risk to the marine biota. The present study develops and validates a method to determine some of the most used UV filters (BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8, 4-OH-BP and 4-MBC), in wild Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The sample treatment is based on an ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by a clean-up step using C18 as sorbent. The methodology was satisfactorily validated, obtaining good features, and it was applied for the evaluation of the occurrence of the target analytes in mussels collected in five areas along the tourist coast of Granada (Spain) just after summer holydays period. The results showed a higher bioaccumulation in specimens sampled in recreational areas and with a closed geomorphology, being BP-3 the most predominant in all locations. BP-1 and BP-3 were quantified in all samples and the rest of UV filters were detected in most of them, except for BP-2. The data raises concern about the undesirable effects that UV filter pollution can cause in the area and highlights the need to establish practices that help preserve and sustain the marine ecosystem.

Bryozoans from Chella Bank (Seco de los Olivos), with the description of a new species and some new records for the Mediterranean Sea

Chella Bank (also known as Seco de los Olivos seamount) is a volcanic submarine elevation (76–700 m deep) located ca. 16 km off the southern coast of Spain, within the Alboran Sea, in the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition zone. It represents a biodiversity hotspot for Europe, with more than 600 species listed to date, and contains several habitats included in the EU Habitats Directive. During three ship-based expeditions, several areas of Chella Bank were surveyed and sampled in a depth range of 95–729 m, resulting in new records that improve our knowledge on poorly studied phyla, such as bryozoans. In 14 of the 21 samples examined during this study, 43 bryozoan taxa could be identified. Among these, one species is described as new to science (Buskea medwaves sp. nov.) and three other ones are reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea, namely Terminoflustra barleei (Busk, 1860), Marguetta pulchra Jullien in Jullien & Calvet, 1903, and Schizomavella (Schizomavella) linearis profunda Harmelin & d’Hondt, 1992a. Some species were abundant in the samples, such as Adeonellopsis distoma (Busk, 1859), B. medwaves sp. nov., Entalophoroecia cf. deflexa, and Reteporella pelecanus Lopez de la Cuadra & Garcia-Gomez, 2001. The highest species richness was detected in rhodolith beds and on coral rubble bottoms (especially exposed above the sediments) compared with other bottom types and habitats such as sandy bottoms and muddy bottoms. The finding highlights the importance of these environments for bryozoans.

Hospitalization Experience of Muslim Migrants in Hospitals in Southern Spain-Communication, Relationship with Nurses and Culture. A Focused Ethnography.

The coast of southern Spain is one of the main entry points for Africans who want to reach Europe; in this area, there is an important immigrant community of African origin, mostly Muslims. The objective of this study is to describe and understand the hospitalization experience of Muslim migrants in public hospitals in southern Spain, especially their relationship with the nurses who care for them. Data were collected from May 2016 to June 2017. This study followed the principles associated with focused ethnography. During data collection, open interviews with 37 Muslim patients were conducted. Three themes emerged from the inductive data analysis: lack of communication with nurses, discriminatory experiences at the hospital and their experience of Islam in the hospital. We conclude that caring for Muslim patients requires specific training not only for nurses but also for other health professionals; existing communication problems must be addressed by establishing the role of the intercultural mediator as an idiomatic and cultural bridge between patients and nurses. In addition, hiring health professionals with migrant backgrounds would help convert hospitals into spaces for intercultural coexistence.

Two hymenopteran egg sac associates of the tent-web orbweaving spider, Cyrtophora citricola (Forskål, 1775) (Araneae, Araneidae).

We report the discovery of two wasp species emerging from egg sacs of the spider Cyrtophoracitricola (Forskål 1775) collected from mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. We identify one as Philolemapalanichamyi (Narendran 1984) (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) and the other as a member of the Pediobiuspyrgo (Walker 1839) species group (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae). This is the first report of Philolema in Europe, and the first documentation of hymenopteran egg predators of C.citricola. The latter finding is particularly relevant, given the multiple invasive populations of C.citricola in the Americas and the Caribbean, where neither egg sac predation nor parasitism is known to occur. We describe rates of emergence by Ph.palanichamyi from spider egg sacs collected from the southern coast of Spain and estimate sex ratios and body size variation among males and females. We also re-describe Ph.palanichamyi based on the female holotype and male paratype specimens.

SAR interferometry monitoring of subsidence in a detritic basin related to water depletion in the underlying confined carbonate aquifer (Torremolinos, southern Spain)

This research underlines the need to improve water management policies for areas linked to confined karstic aquifers subjected to intensive exploitation, and to develop additional efforts towards monitoring their subsidence evolution. We analyze subsidence related to intensive use of groundwater in a confined karstic aquifer, through the use of the InSAR technique, by the southern coast of Spain (Costa del Sol). Carbonates are overlain by an unconfined detritic aquifer with interlayered high transmissivity rocks, in connection with the Mediterranean Sea, where the water level is rather stable. Despite this, an accumulated deformation in the line-of-sight (LOS) direction greater than −100 mm was observed by means of the ERS-1/2 (1992–2000) and Envisat (2003–2009) satellite SAR sensors. During this period, the Costa del Sol experienced a major population increase due to the expansion of the tourism industry, with the consequent increase in groundwater exploitation. The maximum LOS displacement rates recorded during both time spans are respectively −6 mm/yr and −11 mm/yr, respectively. During the entire period, there was an accumulated descent of the confined water level of 140 m, and several fluctuations of more than 80 m correlating with the subsidence trend observed for the whole area. Main sedimentary depocenters (up to 800 m), revealed by gravity prospecting, partly coincide with areas of subsidence maxima; yet ground deformation is also influenced by other factors, the main ones being the fine-grained facies distribution and rapid urbanization due to high touristic pressure.

Coastal Altimetry Products in the Strait of Gibraltar

This paper analyzes the availability and accuracy of coastal altimetry sea level products in the Strait of Gibraltar. All possible repeats of two sections of the Envisat and AltiKa ground-tracks were used in the eastern and western portions of the strait. For Envisat, along-track sea level anomalies (SLAs) at 18-Hz posting rate were computed using ranges from two sources, namely, the official Sensor Geophysical Data Records (SGDRs) and the outputs of a coastal waveform retracker, the Adaptive Leading Edge Subwaveform (ALES) retracker; in addition, SLAs at 1 Hz were obtained from the Centre for Topographic studies of the Ocean and Hydrosphere (CTOH). For AltiKa, along-track SLA at 40 Hz was also computed both from SGDR and ALES ranges. The sea state bias correction was recomputed for the ALES-retracked Envisat SLA. The quality of these altimeter products was validated using two tide gauges located on the southern coast of Spain. For Envisat, the availability of data close to the coast depends crucially on the strategy followed for data screening. Most of the rejected data were due to the radar instrument operating in a low-precision nonocean mode. We observed an improvement of about 20% in the accuracy of the Envisat SLAs from ALES compared to the standard (SGDR) and the reprocessed CTOH data sets. AltiKa shows higher accuracy, with no significant differences between SGDR and ALES. The use of products from both missions allows longer times series, leading to a better understanding of the hydrodynamic processes in the study area.

Amphipods from marine cave sediments of the southern Iberian Peninsula: diversity and ecological distribution

Summary: The present study explores the amphipod assemblages of six marine caves on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain. Replicate samples were taken both inside and outside each marine cave in order to characterize the amphipod fauna and the physicochemical properties of the sediment. As a result, 44 amphipods species were identified. The high number of species found in a relatively limited area highlighted the richness of the Alboran Sea fauna, which is mainly due to the mixture of species from different biogeographic areas. Harpinia genus was the dominant amphipod taxa inside marine caves and Perioculodes longimanus was also very abundant in the caverns. On the other hand, external communities were dominated by Siphonoecetes sabatieri, Metaphoxus fultoni and Photis longipes. There was a high degree of variability in both the internal and the external stations. Only the external station situated at low-medium depth showed a relatively homogeneous amphipod assemblage. The structure and behaviour of soft-bottom communities inside marine caves is difficult to predict because their environmental conditions depend on a particular combination of factors such as topography, depth and orientation. Therefore, no constant patterns were observed for species richness, Shannon diversity and abundance of amphipods in marine caves in comparison with open habitats. According to canonical correspondence analysis, sediment granulometry, organic matter and nitrogen concentration were the parameters that best explained the distribution of amphipods. Species were also classified by their tolerance to environmental pollution according to criteria followed by the Azti Marine Biotic Index and the BENTIX index. The great abundance of sensitive species at both the internal and external stations indicates the good ecological quality of the soft bottom studied. However, the suitability of biotic indices in marine caves should be tested in future studies.

Variability of aerosol, gaseous pollutants and meteorological characteristics associated with changes in air mass origin at the SW Atlantic coast of Iberia

Abstract. Measurements of the ambient aerosol were performed at the Southern coast of Spain, within the framework of the DOMINO (Diel Oxidant Mechanisms In relation to Nitrogen Oxides) project. The field campaign took place from 20 November until 9 December 2008 at the atmospheric research station "El Arenosillo" (37°5'47.76" N, 6°44'6.94" W). As the monitoring station is located at the interface between a natural park, industrial cities (Huelva, Seville) and the Atlantic Ocean, a variety of physical and chemical parameters of aerosols and gas phase could be characterized in dependency on the origin of air masses. Backwards trajectories were examined and compared with local meteorology to classify characteristic air mass types for several source regions. Aerosol number and mass as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and black carbon concentrations were measured in PM1 and size distributions were registered covering a size range from 7 nm up to 32 μm. The chemical composition of the non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) was measured by means of an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Aerodyne HR-ToF-AMS). Gas phase analyzers monitored various trace gases (O3, SO2, NO, NO2, CO2) and a weather station provided meteorological parameters. Lowest average submicron particle mass and number concentrations were found in air masses arriving from the Atlantic Ocean with values around 2 μg m−3 and 1000 cm−3. These mass concentrations were about two to four times lower than the values recorded in air masses of continental and urban origins. For some species PM1-fractions in marine air were significantly larger than in air masses originating from Huelva, a closely located city with extensive industrial activities. The largest fraction of sulfate (54%) was detected in marine air masses and was to a high degree not neutralized. In addition, small concentrations of methanesulfonic acid (MSA), a product of biogenic dimethyl sulfate (DMS) emissions, could be identified in the particle phase. In all air masses passing the continent the organic aerosol fraction dominated the total NR-PM1. For this reason, using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) four organic aerosol (OA) classes that can be associated with various aerosol sources and components were identified: a highly-oxygenated OA is the major component (43% OA) while semi-volatile OA accounts for 23%. A hydrocarbon-like OA mainly resulting from industries, traffic and shipping emissions as well as particles from wood burning emissions also contribute to total OA and depend on the air mass origin. A significant variability of ozone was observed that depends on the impact of different air mass types and solar radiation.

Crossnation Differences in Attitudes of Secondary English Learners

Learning a second language (L2) is part of the skills required for many citizens in today’s cross-national world; in some cases as a strict matter of survival in a non-native context, in others as a prerequisite for promotion and professional climbing. In both cases the emotional, motivational and attitudinal states of the language learner play a crucial role in the learning process. In this article we explore the impact of attitudinal variables related to the context of teaching and learning a second language with two samples of students from different geographical areas, conditioned by varying language needs. A set of hypothesis on variables such as age, sex, social class or systematic formal training complete the analysis included in both samples: Mexican American students residing in California and Spanish students residing on the Southern coast of Spain.

The Effect of Seasonality on Gonad Fatty Acids of the Sea UrchinsParacentrotus lividusandArbacia lixula(Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

The sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula were collected monthly for 1 y in the southern coast of Spain, and their gonad fatty acids were analyzed to evaluate seasonal variations. The gonad fatty acids of A. lixula significantly differed from those of P. lividus, probably because of substantial differences in diet. In both sea urchins, seasonal changes were mainly characterized by the marked decrease of the major polyunsaturated fatty acid 20:5n-3 in summer and early autumn, and the opposite increase of 20:1n-11, 18:1n-9 and the principal nonmethylene-interrupted diene 20:2Δ5,11. Arachidonic acid showed the lowest levels in winter, increasing in April through May, and remaining at relatively high levels until the end of the year. Saturated fatty acids were less affected by seasonality, although they tended to decrease with advancing maturity of the gonad and to increase after spawning. These seasonal changes are discussed in relation to the annual reproductive cycle and to fluctuations in seawater temperature.

Tsunami Hazard Assessment on the Southern Coast of Spain

In this study an indirect statistical method has been proposed to estimate the tsunami hazard assessment along the Alborán Sea Coast (Southeastern Spanish Coast). This method can be summarized as: (1) analysis of the global neotectonic setting, including geodynamic processes as well as seismicity of the region; (2) tsunami source model; (3) generation of a numerical data base of tsunami events using a numerical model; (4) probabilistic model based on Monte-Carlo simulations in order to generate a synthetic tsunami catalogue; and (5) a multidimensional interpolation method applied to combine the numerical data base with the synthetic catalogue to produce inundation maps. The purpose of this study is to establish tsunami-wave elevation at the shoreline versus the return period curves for different locations along the Alborán Sea coast. Furthermore, an inundation map of the city of Roquetas del Mar (Almeria) has been obtained. It is concluded that the tsunamis generated in the Alborán basin have a medium to low hazard, with the most important elevations in the Málaga, Adra and Melilla areas.

Environmental modelling in the Gulf of Cadiz: Heavy metal distributions in water and sediments

The Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. An environmental study of the GoC is carried out through numerical modelling. First, a 3D baroclinic model is used to obtain the residual circulation and a 2D barotropic model is applied to calculate tides. The results of these models are used by a 3D sediment transport model which provides suspended matter concentrations and sedimentation rates in the GoC. Then heavy metal dispersion patterns are investigated using a 3D model which includes water–sediment metal interactions and uses the outputs of the hydrodynamic and sediment transport models. The metal transport model has been applied to simulate the dispersion of Zn, Cu and Ni introduced into the GoC from three rivers draining the Iberian Pyrite Belt, in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Results from the hydrodynamic, sediment and metal transport models have been compared with measurements in the GoC. In particular, the contamination of sediments collected along the southern coast of Spain is well reproduced by the model. Metal plumes reach the Strait of Gibraltar, thus the three rivers constitute a source of pollutants into the Mediterranean Sea.

Storm-Driven Shoreface Morphodynamics on a Low-Wave Energy Delta: The Role of Nearshore Topography and Shoreline Orientation

An analysis of storm-driven sedimentary changes on the shoreface of a low–wave-energy cuspate delta on the southern coast of Spain is examined. Bathymetric surveys, ranging from 1- to 40-m depth, were collected 2 days before and 9 days after a high-magnitude Levante storm. The storm lasted only 36 hours, with peak wind gusts of 100 km/h (28 m/s) and maximum wave heights of 7.4 m. Storms of similar magnitude have only been recorded four times in the last 20 years along this coast. The deltaic nearshore and shoreface was divided into three main morphologic and morphodynamic zones based on process-response mechanisms following the storm event. The eastern section, characterised by a steep and concave shoreface, only had minor erosion and deposition as a result of the storm. The area seaward of the river mouth, an intermediate zone where the coastline changes orientation, is characterised by a widening surf zone and an irregular shoreface out to 10-m depth before dipping steeply to 40-m depth. Poststorm changes along this transitional area resulted in the deposition of a thin veneer of sediment over a 3 km2 area from 10- to 40-m depth. The western section, a shallow and wide delta front with a double-bar, a trough, and shore-oblique topography, was modified the most by the storm, with significant upper shoreface erosion and shore-oblique erosional scars in 5–7-m depth. Results of spectral wave modelling of wave-induced force match well with observed morphological change; force is minimal along the east coast, more pronounced along the steep shoreface opposite the river mouth, and at a maximum along the west coast. It is suggested that coastal orientation, shoreface morphology (topography, gradients), and storm parameters (wave and wind direction) generated contrasting wind and wave-induced currents on the delta shoreface, resulting in spatial differences in storm response.

First records of hooded seals ( Cystophora cristata) in the Mediterranean Sea

Between the years 1996 and 2006 the Threatened Marine Species Recovery Centre (CREMA) detected 14 strandings and sightings of hooded seals in the coasts surrounding the Strait of Gibraltar. Five strandings and the only three sightings occurred on the Spanish coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. CREMA or its stranding report network did not deal directly with the stranded or sighted individuals but there were good descriptions and photographs to confirm identification. The frequency of stranding and sighting of hooded seal individuals on the southern coast of Spain indicate that the migratory movements of this species are performed by groups of young animals less than one year old.