Geomorphological processes and environmental interpretation at Espalmador islet (Western Mediterranean)

Abstract

This study presents a sedimentological and stratigraphical description of the Pleistocene deposits cropping out in Espalmador islet (Illes Pitiüses). Four major sedimentary facies including the succession of aeolian, marine, colluvial and edaphic environments are described. The sedimentological and stratigraphical analysis of these deposits allows the reconstruction of the coastal Pleistocene environmental and geomorphological history of the Espalmador islet. The coastal relief and the fluctuations of the sea level mainly control the Pleistocene coastal landscape evolution on Espalmador. Episodes of aeolian activity and dune formation related to a predominant northwestern wind direction can be linked to periods of low sea level where a high amount of marine sediment is exposed on the shelf platform.