Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cantabrian Estuaries

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Spanish Coastal Systems

Abstract

Asturias and Cantabria are two Spanish regions (southern Bay of Biscay, NW Iberian Peninsula) with a W-E cliff coast along 422 km. It contains more than 50 estuaries with different features and stages of evolution, including the Rías in Galicia. They have very varied sizes and lengths (Fig. 18.1) as well as sediment types; they are linked to short rivers and, in general, high and low waters allow during high spring tides that mixing waters achieve variable lengths of 5–15 km. This study is focused to join the different studies about Asturias and Cantabria estuaries from the point of view of morphodynamic and sedimentation behavior. Fortunately, in these regions, there are many examples with particular features that can understand the evolution of these sensitive systems to any natural or anthropogenic changes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen, J. R. L. (1993). An introduction to estuarine lithosomes and their controls. Sedimentary Revue, 1, 123–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Álvarez, I., Varela, M., Prego, R., & Gómez-Gesteira, M. (2006). Miño River dams discharge on neighbor Galician Rias Baixas (NW Iberian Peninsula): Hydrological, chemical and biological changes in water column. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 70(1), 52–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bárcena, J. F., Claramunt, I., García-Alba, J., Pérez, M. L., & García, A. (2017). A 130 year record of pollution in the Suances estuary (southern Bay of Biscay): Implications for environmental management. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 56, 1727–1729. A method to assess the evolution and recovery of heavy metal pollution in estuarine sediments: Past history, present situation and future perspectives. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 124, 421–434.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boggs, S., Jr., & Jones, C. A. (1976). Seasonal reversal of flood-tide dominant sediment transport in a small Oregon estuary. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 87, 419–426.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borghero, C. (2015). Study of morphological evolution of dune fields in Cantabria (N. Spain) during the Anthropocene (Master thesis). Uppsala University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruschi, V. M., Bonachea, J., Remondo, J., Gómez-Arozamena, J., Rivas, V., Méndez, G., et al. (2013). Analysis of geomorphic systems response to natural and human drivers in northern Spain: Implications of global geomorphic change. Geomorphology, 196, 267–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butzer, K. W. (1962). Coastal geomorphology of Mallorca. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 52, 191–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castelle, B., Bujan, S., Ferreira, S., & Dodet, G. (2017). Foredune morphological changes and beach recovery from the extreme 2013/2014 winter at a high-energy sandy coast. Marine Geology, 385, 41–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cendrero, A., de Terán, J. R., & Salinas, J. M. (1981). Environmental-economic evaluation of the filling and reclamation process in the Bay of Santander, Spain. Environmental Geology, 3(6), 325–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cendrero, A., & Díaz de Terán, J. R. (1977). Caracterización cuantitativa del desarrollo histórico del relleno de la Bahía de Santander; un proceso natural activado por el hombre. Revista de Obras Públicas, 124(3150), 797–808.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dale, A., Gomez-Gesteira, M., Prego, R., & Alvarez, I. (2006). Hydrographic and atmospheric analysis of an autumnal upwelling event in the Ria of Vigo (NW Iberian Peninsula). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 68(3), 529–537.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalrymple, R. W., Zaitlin, B. A., & Boyd, R. (1992). Estuarine facies models: Conceptual basis and stratigraphic implications. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, 62, 1130–1146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Sanjosé, J. J., Serrano, E., Berenguer, F., González-Trueba, J. J., Gómez-Lende, M., González-García, M., et al. (2016). Evolución histórica y actual de la línea de costa en la playa de Somo (Cantabria), mediante el empleo de la fotogrametría aérea y escáner láser terrestre. Cuaternario y Geomorfología, 30(1, 2), 119–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Domínguez-Cuesta, M. J., Jiménez-Sánchez, M., González-Fernández, J. A., Quintana, L., Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2015). GIS as a tool to detect flat erosional surfaces in coastal areas: A case study in North Spain. Geologica Acta, 13(2), 97–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fairbridge, R. H. (1980). The estuary: Its definition and geo-dynamic cycle. In E. Olausson & I. Cato (Eds.), Chemistry and biochemistry of estuaries (pp. 1–16).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenster, M. S., FitzGerald, D. M., Kelley, J. T., Belknap, D. F., Buynevich, I., & Dickson, S. M. (2001). Net ebb sediment transport in a rock-bound, mesotidal estuary during spring-freshet conditions: Kennebec River estuary, Maine, U.S.A. GSA Bulletin, 113, 1522–1531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández, S., Santín, C., Marquínez, J., & Álvarez, M. A. (2010). Saltmarsh soil evolution after land reclamation in Atlantic estuaries (Bay of Biscay, North coast of Spain). Geomorphology, 114(4), 497–507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Martínez, R., Loredo, J., Ordóñez, A., & Rucandio, M. I. (2005). Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils from an old mining area in Mieres, Asturias (Spain). Science of the Total Environment, 346(1), 200–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G. (1995). Clasificación y caracterización de los estuarios asturianos. In O. Cendrero & I. Olaso (Eds.), Proceed. IV Coloquio Internacional sobre Oceanografía del Golfo de Vizcaya (pp. 133–141). Santander.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Busto, J. D., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2006). Morphological and sedimentary patterns of ports of the Asturian Region (NW Spain). Journal of Coastal Research, 35–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Ceñal, R. C., González, M. S., & Ortega, M. I. (1998). Aspectos morfológicos, dinámicos y sedimentológicos del estuario del Nalón (Asturias, noroeste de España). Trabajos de Geología, 20(20), 3–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Camblor, C. (1989). Características dinámicas y sedimentológicas del estuario de Ribadesella (Asturias, N de España). Trabajos de Geología, 18 Univ. Oviedo, 13–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Fernández Pérez, L. A., Menéndez Fidalgo, R., Martínez Cueto-Felgueroso, E., & Rodríguez-Casero, G. (1996). Dynamics and sedimentation of the mesotidal estuary of Villaviciosa (Asturias, Northern Spain). Revista Sociedad Geológica de España, 9(3–4), 205–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Fernández-Pérez, L. A., & Cabrera-Ceñal, R. (1992). Características dinámicas y sus relaciones sedimentarias en la Ría del Eo (Galicia-Asturias, Noroeste de España). Revista de la Sociedad Geológica de España, 5, 7–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2005). An introduction to the erosion and sedimentation problems in the coastal regions of Asturias and Cantabria (NW Spain) and its implications on environmental management. Journal of Coastal Research, 58–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2008). Estuarios de arroyos costeros del occidente de Asturias. Territoris, 7, 135–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2011). La influencia humana sobre las playas y estuarios de Galicia oriental y Asturias occidental. Geolodía 11. Sociedad Geológica de España, 45 pp. file:///C:/Users/Usuario/Desktop/GEOLODIA%202011.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., & Flor, G. (2012). Clasificación geomorfológica y características de los estuarios cantábricos (NW de España). In: A. González-Díez et al. (Eds.), Avances de la Geomorfología en España 2010-2012. 315–318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Flor, G., Martínez-Cedrún, P., & Bruschi, V. (2012). La costa occidental de Cantabria (Santanderestuario de Tina Menor). In: A González-Díez, G. Flor-Blanco, J. R. Díaz de Terán Mira (Eds.), Guía de excursions de campo. XII Reunión Nacional de Geomorfología. Santander 2010-2012. 25–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2014a). Raised beaches in the Cantabrian coast. In F. Gutiérrez & M. Gutiérrez (Eds.), Landscapes and landforms of Spain (pp. 239–248). Netherlands: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2014b). Subsistemas estuarinos de la bahía de Santander (Cantabria, N de España). In S. Schnabel & A. Gómez Gutiérrez (Eds.), Proceed. XIII Reunión Nacional de Geomorfología, Cáceres (pp. 568–571), Univ. Extremadura.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2014c). Componentes de viento generadores de morfologías y campos de dunas costeras en Asturias (no de España). Cuaternario y Geomorfología, 28(3–4), 47–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Flor-Blanco, G. (2014d). Actividades de campo en estuarios como recurso educativo. Enseñanza de las Ciencias de la Tierra, 22(2), 157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Flor-Blanco, G., & Flores-Soriano, C. (2014). Cambios ambientales por los temporales de invierno de 2014 en la costa asturiana (NO de España). Trabajos de Geología, 34 Univ. Oviedo, 97–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., Flor-Blanco, G., & Rey, J. (2015). Dynamics and morpho-sedimentary interactions in the lower mesotidal estuary of Villaviciosa (NW Spain): A management proposal. Geologica Acta, 13(2), 107–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor, G., & Lharti, S. (2008). Estratigrafía y sedimentología del recubrimiento costero de la ciudad de Gijón (Asturias). Trabajos de Geología, 28 Univ. Oviedo, 137–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G. (2007). Características morfosedimentarias y dinámicas y evolución ambiental de los estuarios de Tina Mayor, Tina Menor y San Vicente de la Barquera (Costa Occidental de Cantabria) (PhD Thesis (unpublished)). Dpt. Geology. Univ. Oviedo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Alcántara-Carrió, J., Flor, G., Flores-Soriano, C., García-Ordiales, E., & Pando, L. (2017). Alteraciones en la costa asturiana debido a los efectos catastróficos de oleaje de 2014. Geo-Temas, 17, 207–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., & Flor, G. (2016). Management of dune fields on the coasts of Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country (Cantabrian Sea, NW Iberian Peninsula). In F. X. Roig-Munar (Ed.), Restoration and management of dune systems. Case studies (pp. 35–70). Publisher: project “Life Pletera” (LIFE13 NAT/ES/001001).

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Flor, G., Morales, J. A., & Pando, L. (2015a). Hydrodynamic controls of morpho-sedimentary evolution in a rockbounded mesotidal estuary. Tina Menor (N Spain). Journal of Iberian Geology, 41(3), 315–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Flor, G., & Pando, L. (2013). Evolution of the Salinas-El Espartal and Xagó beach/dune systems in north-western Spain over recent decades: Evidence for responses to natural processes and anthropogenic interventions. Geo-Marine Letters, 33(2–3), 143–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Flor, G., Pando, L., & Abanades, J. (2015b). Morphodynamics, sedimentary and anthropogenic influences in the San Vicente de la Barquera estuary (North coast of Spain). Geologica Acta, 13(4), 279–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flor-Blanco, G., Pando, L., Morales, J. A., & Flor, G. (2015c). Evolution of beach-dune fields systems following the construction of jetties in estuarine mouths (Cantabrian coast, NW Spain). Environmental Earth Sciences, 73(3), 1317–1330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Soriano, C. (2015). Evolución de los campos dunares de Asturias desde mediados del siglo XX hasta 2014 (Master thesis). University of Oviedo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Ordiales, E., Cienfuegos, P., Roqueñí, N., Covelli, S., Flor-Blanco, G., Fontolan, G., et al. (2017). Historical accumulation of potentially toxic trace elements resulting from mining activities in estuarine saltmarshes sediments of the Asturias coastline (northern Spain). Environmental Sciences and Pollution Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Ordiales, E., Flor-Blanco, G., Cienfuegos, P., Rumayor, M., Covelli, S., Roqueñí, N., et al. (2016). Determinación de valores geoquímicos de fondo para la evaluación del enriquecimiento por metales y metaloides en los sedimentos estuarinos del Río Nalón (Norte de España). Geo-Temas, 16(1), 547–550.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Ordiales, E., Loredo, J., Cienfuegos, P., Covelli, S., Flor-Blanco, G., Fontolan, G., et al. (2015). Metales pesados y metaloides en sedimentos de las Marismas del Estuario del río Nalón (Norte de España). LNEG Comunicações Geológicas, 102(1), 69–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gómez-Pujol, L., Gelabert, B., Fornós, J. J., Pardo-Pascual, J. E., Rosselló, V. M., Segura, F. S., et al. (2013). Structural control on the presence and character of calas: Observations from Balearic Islands limestone rock coast macroforms. Geomorphology, 194, 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, M. O. (1975). Morphology of sand accumulation in estuaries: An introduction to symposium. In L. E. Cronin (Ed.), Estuarine Research, II, Geology and Engineering, 3–22 (Academic Press, Inc.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Higueras, P., Fernández-Martínez, R., Esbrí, J. M., Rucandio, I., Loredo, J., Ordóñez, A., et al. (2014). Mercury soil pollution in Spain: A review. In Environment, energy and climate change (Vol. I, pp. 135–158). Springer Int Pub.

    Google Scholar 

  • Irabien, M. J., Cearreta, A., Leorri, E., & Viguri, J. R. (2008). A 130 year record of pollution in the Suances estuary (southern Bay of Biscay): Implications for environmental management. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 56, 1727–1729.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavín, A., Valdés, L., Sánchez, F., Abaunza, P., Forest, A., Boucher, J., Lazure, P., et al. (2004). The Bay of Biscay: The encountering of the ocean and the shelf (18b,E). In A. R. Robinson & K. H. Brink (Eds.), The sea (Vol. 4, Chapter 24, pp. 933–1001).

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Floch, P. (1961). Propagation de la marée dans l’estuaire de la Seine et en Seine Maritime (Thése Doctorat d`Ètat). Univ. Paris, 507 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lechuga, A., de la Peña, J. M., Antón, A. I., & Díez, G. F. (2012). Behavior of the beaches on the North of Spain is global warming involved? Coastal Engineering Proceedings, 10 p. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v33.sediment.74.

  • López-Peláez, J. (2016). Evolución morfosedimentaria e histórica de los estuarios asturianos de Navia, Nalón, Avilés, Villaviciosa y Ribadesella (PhD Thesis (unpublished)). Dpt. Geology. Univ. Oviedo.

    Google Scholar 

  • López Peláez, J., & Flor, G. (2006). Cambios morfológicos por canalización de la desembocadura en los estuaries asturianos de Navia, Nalón y Villaviciosa. Actas de la IX Reunión Nacional de Geomorfología, 419–431.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martínez Cedrún, P. (2008). Caracterización morfológica y sedimentológica de los campos dunares de Cantabria. Evolución ambiental (Phd Thesis (unpublished)). University of Oviedo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masselink, G., Scott, T., Poate, T., Russell, P., Davidson, M., & Conley, D. (2016). The extreme 2013/2014 winter storms: Hydrodynamic forcing and coastal response along the southwest coast of England. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 41(3), 378–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Monge-Ganuzas, M., Cearreta, A., & Evans, G. (2013). Morphodynamic consequences of dredging and dumping activities along the lower Oka estuary (Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, southeastern Bay of Biscay, Spain). Ocean and Coastal Management, 77, 40–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perillo, G. M. E. (1995). Definitions and geomorphologic classifications of estuaries. In G. M. E. Perillo (Ed.), Geomorphology and Sedimentology of Estuaries. Developments in Sedimentology, 53, 17–47. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Posamentier, H. W., & Vail, P. R. (1988). Eustatic control son clastic deposition II: Sequence and systems tracts models. In C. K. Wilgus, B. S. Hastings, C. G. Sr. Kendall, H. W. Posamentier, C. A. Ross, J. C. Wagooner (Eds.), Sea level changes: An integrated approach. Society of economic paleontologists and mineralogists special publications, 42, 125–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prandle, D., & Crookshank, N. L. (1974). Numerical model of St Lawrenece River Estuary. J. Hydraulics Div., ASCE, Vol. 100 (HY4). Proceed. Paper 10472, 517–529.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pritchard, D. W. (1967). What is an estuary? Physical point of view. In G. H. Lauff (Ed.), Estuaries (Vol. 83, pp. 3–5). Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. Pub.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prumm, M., & Iglesias, G. (2016). Impacts of port development on estuarine morphodynamics: Ribadeo (Spain). Ocean & Coastal Management, 130, 58–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivas, V., & Cendrero, A. (1991). Use of natural and artificial accretion on the north coast of Spain: Historical trends and assessment of some environmental and economic consequences. Journal of Coastal Research, 7(2), 491–507.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosselló, V. M. (2005). Cala, una mesoforma litoral: concepte, models i aproximació morfomètrica. Cuadernos de Geografia, 77, 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santín, C., Otero, X. L., Fernández, S., González-Pérez, M., & Álvarez, M. Á. (2007). Variations of organic carbon stock in reclaimed estuarine soils (Villaviciosa estuary, NW Spain). Science of the Total Environment, 378(1), 138–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simmons, H. B. (1955). Some effects of upland discharge on estuarine hydraulics. Proceedings of the American Society Civil Engineer, 81 (792-1-729/20).

    Google Scholar 

  • Valle-Levinson, A., & Atkinson, L. P. (1999). Spatial gradients in the flow over an estuarine channel. Estuaries and Coasts, 22(2), 179–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Lancker, V., Lanckneus, J., Hearn, S., Hoeckstra, P, Levoy, F., Miles, J., et al. (2004) Coastal and nearshore morphology, bedforms and sediment transport pathways at Teignmouth (UK). Continental Shelf Research, 24, 1171–1202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Viguri, J. R., Irabien, M. J., Yusta, I., Soto, J., Gómez, J., Rodriguez, P., et al. (2007). Physico-chemical and toxicological characterization of the historic estuarine sediments: A multidisciplinary approach. Environment International, 33, 436–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilas, F. (2002). Rias and tidal-sea estuaries. In Knowledge for sustainable development. The Encyclopedia of life support systems (Vol. 2, theme 11.6.3, pp. 799–829).

    Google Scholar 

  • Villegas, M. L., Garrido, F., González, M. T., & Toledo, M. M. (1992). Características físico-químicas de la desembocadura del río Esva como respuesta a la acción fluvial y mareal. Boletín Ciencias Naturales R.I.D.E.A., 42, 39–50.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Oviedo, 33005, Oviedo, Spain

    Germán Flor-Blanco & Germán Flor

Authors
  1. Germán Flor-Blanco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Germán Flor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Germán Flor-Blanco .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain

    Juan A. Morales

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Flor-Blanco, G., Flor, G. (2019). Cantabrian Estuaries. In: Morales, J. (eds) The Spanish Coastal Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93169-2_18

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation