Environmental Study of The RíA

Meeting in IrelandNovember 2009

Environmental study of the ría

IES Concepción Arenal

Ferrol (Spain)


Using Google Earth



Activity 1Locate Ferrol using Google Earth



The ría from the bottom



INTERESTING DATA ABOUT RÍA– Length: 12.5 Km.

– Maximum width: 2.5 Km.

– Minimum width: 300 m.

– Medium area: 25 Km2

– Maximum depth: 23 m.

– Medium tide: 3 m.

– Tidal renewal: 20 %

– Total number of shellfish gatherers: 544

• On boats: 408• On foot: 136

– Shellfish fisheries area:

• 2,840,000 m2 controlled by Fishermen Association

• 1,200,000 m2 not controlled by Fishermen's Association

– Total area of landfill: 2,370,000 m2



Activity 2Measure the length of the estuary and estimate the area

Google Earth

•Tools

•Rule•Rout

e



Activity 3Mark on the map the main towns (municipalities). Find out the number of inhabitants of each of these towns. Present the results in a table and on the map. http://www.ige.eu/web/mostrar_actividade_estatistica.jsp?idioma=gl&codigo=0201001002

• Insert label• Choose colour, size• Write description• Insert in

description images or video<img src=“url">

http://www.ige.eu/web/mostrar_actividade_estatistica.jsp?idioma=gl&codigo=0201001002














Population in the municipalities around Ría

Postal code

Municipality

Total Population

15035 Fene 14.169 15036 Ferrol 74.696 15051 Mugardos 5.60515054 Narón 37.008 15055 Neda 5.553

137.031



Activity 4Find constructions built throughout history that have altered the natural banks of the estuary: bridges, docks, landfills… Mark them on the maphttp://www.lavozdegalicia.es/ferrol/2009/08/14/0003_7907200.htm

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/ferrol/2009/08/14/0003_7907200.htm









The bottom of the ria The interior port



There are three steps in the sedimentation process. The first is the detachment of materials from the earth's surface. Both rain and sprinkler irrigation water drops can detach solid particles of material from the soil surface. The overland flow of water also represents an important detachment process.

The second step is transport of detached soil particles. Water movement-velocity, depth, volume, frequency, duration and turbulence- regulates the extent of detachment and the distance that materials can be transported.

The third step is deposition. Sediment is deposited when water velocity decreases to such an extent that it can no longer support the suspended material, or when the water depth decreases to such an extent that particle movement is impossible.

The Sedimentation Process 1



Natural sedimentation is important in the development and maintenance of numerous coastal habitats.

Habitats requiring sediment input include coastal wetlands, lagoons, estuaries and mangroves. Reduction in natural rates of sedimentation can compromise the integrity of these habitats, as can excessive sediment loads, which may bury benthic communities and threaten sensitive habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rocky substrates.

Contaminated sediments, whether they are fresh inputs or dredged, may also lead to pollution, the latter through resuspension or improper disposal.

Anthropogenic modifications to sediment mobilization and sedimentation are made by, inter alia, construction activities, forestry operations, agricultural practices, mining practices, hydrological modifications, dredging activities, and coastal erosion.

Effects are generally local in nature, but transboundary implications may occur in some areas where major river systems form a common border and where littoral currents carry inputs across international boundaries.

The Sedimentation Process 2



Sediments are particles of organic (living) and inorganic (nonliving) origin that accumulate in loose form on the seabed.

Activity 5 1. Mark on the map the areas where the natural processes of water

renewal caused by the tides are being disturbed, which generates undesired sedimentation effects.

2. What are the adverse effects of sediments in the water?

3. The slopes near the estuary suffer fires periodically. What is their impact on the marine ecosystem?

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/waterqual/docs/wq08p1.html















Activity 61. Find out which industries are

located along its banks. Place them on the map.

2. What kind of pollution can the industries in the estuary cause?



Activity 7

To what extent can the port activity affect the state of the marine ecosystem?

http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/HC270799/HDL/ENV/envsp/Vol164.htm

Exterior port Interior port














Activity 8

1. Place on the map the areas of urban wastewater discharges

2. Mark on the map the wastewater treatment plants in the estuary and find out which councils purify their wastewater and which ones dispose of untreated water.

3. Find out the major problems caused by the discharge of untreated urban wastewater.

http://www.chminosil.es/index.php?idm=9&page=415

Neda wastewater treatment plant

CaranzaUntreated urban

wastewater













Environmental Study of The RíA

Education

Transcript of Environmental Study of The RíA