Transport and distribution of sediments along the Ligurian coast

Abstract

A study of the granulometric, mineralogical and chemical composition of surface sediments and suspended particulate matter in the coastal area between Varazze and Cape Noli (Ligurian Sea), provided useful information on transport and sedimentation processes in the area . Sediments samples from the shelf were highly heterogeneous, ranging from pelites to sands . Minerals typical of individual river basins were found close to river mouths, indicating a limited sediment transport along the coast . Chemical and textural characteristics of the suspended particulate matter indicated that the longshore sediment transport is influenced by the presence of a submarine canyon ; material coming from the east, following the Ligurian current, is partially diverted offshore along the canyon axis . The coastline pattern, some harbor artifacts, and the peculiar morphology of the shelf are all factors controlling the direction of sediment transport . 17

The Ligurian Sea: present status, problems and perspectives

“…Geomorphological, sedimentological and seismo-stratigraphic studies have been conducted on the continental shelf [5] to define the depositional stratigraphy and to characterise the bottom sediments, allowing the localisation of sandy and gravelly deposits which could be used to nourish beaches undergoing erosion (Figure 6).…”