The evolution of the dune fields of Platamona-Marritza (northern Sardinia) : application of remote-sensing methods

The littoral of Platamona-Marritza is an example of a Mediterranean coastal environment with a marked heterogeneous dune system. Morphological studies, based on remote-sensing methods and on field surveys, have been carried out in order to trace the diachronic evolution of the aeolian deposits and to understand the current condition of this area. Aerial photographs have allowed us to analyse the evolution of the coastline, the dune fields and the anthropic development of the coastal strip over the period 1955-2002. The field surveys were undertaken in September 2003 and September 2004 to verify the data acquired by the elaboration of the aerial photographs and to identify and map the vegetation of the dune belt. A relationship between vegetative species found on the Platamona-Marritza dune field and the retreat of the coastline was then established.

The littoral of Platamona-Marritza is an example of a Mediterranean coastal environment with a marked heterogeneous dune system. Morphological studies, based on remote-sensing methods and oil field surveys, have been carried out in order to trace the diachronic evolution of the aeolian deposits and to understand the current condition of this area. Aerial photographs have allowed us to analyse the evolution of the coastline, the dune fields and the anthropic development of the coastal strip over the period 1955-2002. The field surveys were undertaken in September 2003 and September 2004 to verify the data acquired by the elaboration of the aerial photographs and to identify and map the vegetation of the dune belt. A relationship between vegetative species found oil the Platamona-Marritza dune field and the retreat of the coastline was then established.