Characterization of the coastal landscape and investigating the coastal erosional processes along the shoreline : case study : Xatt L-Aħmar Bay

Abstract

Xatt l-Aħmar Bay consists of many wonderful coastal geomorphological landforms but due to coastal erosional processes such as wave action and other agents, they are continuously modifying them and changing the shoreline along this bay. The coastline is a complex and dynamic environment where changes usually happen very slowly and are not noticed by people but are very interesting when examined over long periods of time. Therefore, to be able to note any changes along the shoreline, comparison of aerial photographs and superimposing of survey sheets was done. Through this method together with mapping and observations, the results show that coasts that are composed of soft, unconsolidated material, namely Blue Clay formation is very vulnerable to wave action and erodes more quickly than more resistant rock strata, such as Lower Globigerina Limestone. Furthermore, three different character areas were selected to identify the main factors influencing coastal erosion and how vulnerable the geological formations present at the study area are to wave action, and how this affects the coastal geomorphology of southern Gozo. In geological times, coasts have changed dramatically as they have emerged and submerged with tectonic processes, climatic variations, processes of weathering and erosion and changing in sea level. All of these factors have lead to the formation of the Bay of Xatt l- Aħmar. Furthermore, whenever changes do happen, especially along cliffs, it usually occurs suddenly and catastrophically where boulder rocks and debris fall onto the shore platform. These falling boulders can cause problems as well as hazardous to the public.