Quaternary evolution of the Pego coastal lagoon (Southern Valencia, Spain)

Abstract The ancient coastal lagoon of Pego is located on the Spain Mediterranean coast. Although the filling of this coastal lagoon was started by natural causes, the anthropogenic action has transformed it considerably. Two coreholes were studied to recognize the dynamics of the coast line during the Quarernry. Different units were detected by means of sedimentological and mineralogical approaches and by the analysis of the foraminifera and pollen found in the deposits. The following evolutionary stages have been recognized in the sedimentary record. two transgressive events (which are associated with some contemporaneous event of Emiliani's stage 5), which are separated by coastal lagoon environments. Afterwards, a regressive event allowed the maximal continental progradation, which gave way to the establishement of a new lagoonal environment. These conditions continued sufficiently long to allow considerable development of the vegetation, which culminated in the formation of a peat-bog dated at 7790 and 8300 yr B.P. A new marine transgression, commencing in the previous phase, continued until the Flandrian transgression. The highest Flandrian beach deposit reached its maximum level about 500 yr B.P. The formation of the modern fixed barrier beach took place around this date, which would allow the emplacement of the modern filled coastal lagoon.