Coastal morphology along the Central Algarve rocky coast: driver mechanisms

The boundary between the mainland and the sea – the littoral fringe - crosses several sub-environments, among them, the rocky coasts whose evolution depends on marine and sub-aerial processes as well as on the rocks’ mass properties. The study area - in central Algarve (South Portugal) - is framed in a rocky coast exposing carbonate rocks. This work identifies the main drivers to the coastal morphology in that region. Several morphological features such as beaches, cliffs, and shore platforms were surveyed, mapped, and correlated with the most common wave conditions in the area. Shore platforms show a strong correlation with the most vigorous wave climate conditions. In opposition, zeta bays occur in the more sheltered sector to the dominant waves and in a relatively straight coastline. Symmetrical small bays are mainly related with the sedimentary influx from rivers reaching the coast. The cliff heights and profiles are lithologically and structurally controlled