Evolución sedimentaria reciente de la desembocadura de la ría de Huelva (suroeste de España)

Abstract

A sandy ridge system alternating with vegetated tidal salt marshes is located in the mouth of the Tinto and Odiel rivers on the Huelva Coast (SW Spain). This system is known as Saltés Island. In the southernmost area of the sedimentary system, different sedimentary environments and corresponding depositional facies are recognized: swash platforms, ebb-tidal deltas, tidal flats, cheniers, washover fans, open beach and salt marshes. The sedimentary evolution of this system in the last two centuries has been studied, determining two periods with distinct dynamics. The first one, developed before 1977, corresponds to a natural sedimentary dynamics, the other one related with the construction of a groin to protect the Huelva harbour, that modified all the sedimentary dynamics affecting this coastal sector. The analysis of the historical evolution for this period and the architectural facies model allows to conclude that the Huelva Ría has behaved as a chenier plain at least during the last 200 years.