AbstraetDetailed mapping based on aerial photographs at various scales, analysis of morpho-sedimentary units, and radiocarbon dating of the prograding beach-ridge complex of Campo de Dalías (Almería) allow the differentiation of six prograding units, These are called: H¡, 7400-6000 cal BP; H2, 5400-4200 cal BP; H3, 4200-3000 cal BP; H4, 2700-1900 cal BP; Hs, 1900-1100 cal BP; and H6, 500 cal BP-Present. H-units are deposited during periods of high relative sea level and increased sediment input to the coast. They are bounded by large swales or erosional surfaces associated with lower sea levels and reduced input 01' sediment to the coast; these correspond to short periods 01' increased aridity inside the general arid trend recorded in the Westem Mediterranean since 5.4 ka. Changes in the flux 01' Atlantic superficial waters into the Mediterranean Sea, and relative strength of the W/SW winds account for the recorded oscillations of relative sea leve!.We deduce a decadal periodicity for the deposition of a beach ridge and the adjacent swale, and suggest that it is related to fluctuations of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and to variations of solar activity. The duration of H-units shows a quasi-millennial periodicity punctuated by short (hundred years) episodes of reduced progradation or erosion representing events of increased aridity likely to be related to Bond's Holocene cold events.

The Roman archaeological site of Baelo Claudia (Cádiz, south Spain) is located within the Gibraltar Arch, a region with no significant recent or historical seismicity. However, previous studies have emphasized the occurrence of repeated strong archaeoseismic damage (intensity≥IX MSK) at Baelo Claudia tentatively bracketed in this study around ad 40–60 and ad 260–290. A multidisciplinary study has been carried out including the detailed mapping of surface deformation and building damage, surface geology and geomorphology, collection of structural data, and an extensive ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey. The obtained data are not conclusive when considered separately, but evident links between archaeoseismic damage, structural and GPR data indicate that the destruction of the city was linked to seismic shaking. The analysis of the pattern and orientation of deformation clearly indicates SW–NE directed compression due to ground shaking. This analysis also focuses on localized landslides and liquefaction processes, which appear to be coeval with the earthquakes, but the poor geotechnical parameters of the clayey substratum were determinant to amplify the observed level of destruction. The application of the present Spanish seismic code (NCSE-02) indicates that intensity VIII MSK (0.24–0.26 g) can be reached in this zone for 500 year return periods.

This paper presents an analysis of the vulnerability (AVI Index) and hazard of flooding by sea level rise (FRI Index) in the central Algarve (South Portugal), between the cities of Portimão and Tavira, which is an area of intense urban impact and fast growing tourism. The vulnerability index was calculated using the following parametric thematic maps: lithology, geomorphology, slopes, elevations, distances, bathymetry, variations of the coastline, wave height and activity, variations of sea level and tidal range. The AVI Index was validated by the results obtained from the analysis of the risk of flooding from the FHI Index applied to several time horizons (X 0-present, X 1-100 years, X 2-500 years, X 3-1000 year, X 4-Storm and X 5-Tsunami). Application of GIS and remote sensing techniques, viz. spatial analysis, interpolation processes and geostatistical analysis, permitted a regional forecasting model of change in the mean sea level and the ensuing consequences to be established. Analysis of the obtained results shows an increase in potential flood zones in populous coastal tourist areas with a high risk of exposure and a significant spatial extent of 8.84 km 2 only in Faro municipality. The assessment and delineation of other endangered sectors could contribute to designing appropriate long-term management policies for the coastal of Central Algarve.

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