Decadal environmental changes on the dune field of Maspalomas (Canary Isalnds) : evidences of an erosive tendency

Abstract

This paper shows the environmental changes that have taken place in a dune area since the 60s decade until present time by means of aerial photographs and satellite images. The selected study area is the Maspalomas dune field, located in the southern margin of Gran Canaria. This area is the only dune field in the island and was declared Special Natural Reserve in 1994 according to coastal conservation and management policy. The evolution of this system is closely related with tourist activities around the area, where the urban development since the 60s decade seems to be related with the modification of the lower wind field, which contributed to the stabilization of the inner dune sector. Another aspects related to the sedimentary evolution of the area includes the general decrease of the dune field height, the formation of wide deflation surfaces and wet sandy areas, the lower dune mobility due to the increase of vegetation, and the shoreward retreat of the foredune. All this facts can only be explained due to decrease in the input of sediments.