Geomorphological Analysis of the Guadalquivir Estuary. Possible Influences of Climate Change

Abstract

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study analyses the possible consequences of rising sea levels as a result of climate change. The chosen location is one that has undergone major transformations in the last 2.500 years: the Guadalquivir estuary, in the south of Spain. This article examines the causes of changes in sea level and their relationship with the human factor. From a methodological point of view, we begin by analysing the findings of earlier studies on issues related to changes in sea level and, more specifically, the transformation of the Guadalquivir estuary from a large bay in the Tartessian period (fourth-sixth century BCE) to the so-called Lacus Ligustinus of Roman times, and from that lake to its current status as a marsh. The data obtained, together with the written references about the city of Tartessus, are related to the evolution of the coastline in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, enabling us to form a picture of the estuary in the last three centuries and identify the anthropogenic causes that have transformed the coastline. Lastly, we draw conclusions about the consequences that a rise in sea level could have on the marsh, which would be flooded and revert to the shape of Lacus Ligustinus, and on Sanlúcar de Barrameda.