Evolución morfológica en la franja litoral al sur de Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, durante el siglo XX

Abstract

In Colombia, the increased in erosion processes poses a threat to both infrastructure and coastal landscape. Many of the solutions implemented to combat coastal erosion had a negative impact on ecosystems and local communities. In Puerto Colombia, the construction of the jetties in Boca de Ceniza altered coastal dynamics by obstructing the flow of sediment from the Magdalena River. This obstruction resulted in a sediment deficit on nearby beaches and changed the oceanographic conditions in the littoral cell. The modification in coastal dynamics caused the migration of the sand barrier known as Isla Verde towards the coastal strip of Puerto Colombia. This change led to the formation of small lagoons that eventually evolved into mangrove zones, giving rise to the Balboa’s swamp. This wetland, located in the south of the municipality, is fed by tributaries that are being contaminated, such as the Arroyo Grande, which crosses Puerto Colombia and collects wastewater from the oxidation lagoon. Due to the change in coastal dynamics caused by the western seawall of Bocas de Cenizas, sediments migrated to the southwest, depositing in the Puerto Velero spike in Tubará. This phenomenon, combined with ocean-atmospheric conditions, has increased the frequency of extreme events, exposing the coastal strip to greater erosion. Therefore, the development of a disaster risk management plan is essential to ensure the protection and sustainability of coastal areas, especially this wetland, which is vital for biodiversity. This plan should take into account the natural and anthropogenic factors that contributing to coastal erosion and adaptation measures to climate change.