Abstract

MORALES-GIRALDO, David Fernando; COCA, Oswaldo  and  RICAURTE-VILLOTA, Constanza. Evaluation of nearshore geological features: Baseline for mitigation and protection with ecosystem-based alternatives for the coastal zone of the Cordoba department, Colombia. Bol. geol. [online]. 2023, vol.45, n.3, pp.51-62.  Epub Nov 16, 2023. ISSN 0120-0283.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revbol.v45n3-2023003.

The implementation of ecosystem-based measures as adaptation alternatives to Climate Change has become increasingly important in the face of natural threats in coastal areas. In terms of coastal erosion, reefs are considered a marine morphology that reduces wave energy by forming a rough surface at the bottom. To evaluate the viability of this alternative, a geological, oceanographic, and climatological context is required, subjects that encompass the processes that condition the presence of such ecosystems. The monitoring of coastal erosion in the department of Córdoba made it possible to identify the village of Santander de la Cruz as a priority site to assess an ecosystem-based mitigation alternative. A detailed bathymetric model was generated as a basis for the identification of morphological features of the seabed; additionally, sediment samples and a rock sample were collected to establish the main sedimentological characteristics of the area. In the marine area to the west of the Santander de la Cruz district, an outstanding rough morphology was identified from the sedimentary plane, whose characteristics indicate the presence of hard bottoms. The bottom was characterized by presenting sandy sediments of very fine to fine size that make up the submerged beach deposit with a very low slope, while towards the zone of marine influence the sediments were characterized by being silt to clay type. These deposits were interrupted by the natural rocky structure that forms a concave axis of northeast-southwest trend, almost parallel to the coastline. The geological characteristics of the bottom, represented in the natural relief, constitute a baseline for the implantation of an artificial reef, being a reference to the presence of hard bottom ecosystems. To define its viability, a detailed analysis of the rock material and the oceanographic and biotic characteristics that can favor the growth of the ecosystem is required.

Keywords : Coastal erosion; Artificial reef; Nearshore; Coastal protection; Ecosystem-based Alternatives.

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