Geomorphological changes along a stretch of low rocky coast : a case study : Żonqor Point to Sala's Rock

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to provide more information on the geomorphology of low rocky coasts, with special reference to the coast between Żonqor Point and Sala's Rock in Marsascala. The hypothesis tested is that geomorphology changes along a stretch of low rocky coast. As a case study the coast between Żonqor Point and Sala's Rock in Marsascala was taken. The methods used for this investigation were: making of a geomorphological map, drawing of slope profiles, analyses of the distribution pattern of solution pools, analyses of the density, orientation and type of discontinuities, observations and measurements of the geomorphological characteristics: perpendicular length from shoreline to boulder field or road, surface morphology, hardness, weathering grade, exposure to waves, dip, roughness ratio, presence of honeycombs, furthest distance of salt crystals from the shoreline and the average volume and distance from shoreline of the five assumed, largest boulders of each sector. The results show that the geomorphology changes along the low rocky coast. The landscape was found to be dominated by erosive processes though chemical and possibly physical weathering also played an important role in the disaggregation of the intact rock. The need for further studies in the boulder field was found to be beneficial in trying to understand better the huge wave event that created it.