The study was carried out along two sandy beaches of different geographical areas each under the influence of a nearby river. The Mediterranean site, characterised by microtidal conditions and located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Central Italy, was undergoing a phenomenon of instability. The Atlantic site was located in Morocco and was a relatively more stable environment with mesotidal conditions. The aim of the research was to focus on the interactions between the geomorphological changes of the sandy beaches and the community structure of terrestrial macro-invertebrates under riverine influence. In each locality five stations were chosen at increasing distances from the river mouth in two different seasons. In each station two transects with pitfall traps were set to capture terrestrial macro-invertebrates. Species richness, abundance, α- and β-diversity were analysed along with longshore zonation patterns. Regression analysis between sand parameters, beach characteristics, arthropod species, α and β diversity indices and the distance in km from the river mouth was carried out. Furthermore, through multiple regression analysis, the relationship between the beach characteristics and the distribution of the fauna was also considered. The results indicate that in the Italian locality the main forcing factor structuring the beach ecosystem was the erosion process taking place at the river mouth. Species richness, abundance, and diversity increased at increasing distances from the river delta and were correlated with increased habitat diversity and with lower human disturbance. Contrarily, at the Moroccan site the influence of the tides was greater than that of the Oued Sebou and this caused the absence of linear trends at increasing distances from the river mouth. In particular, the high tidal excursions and wave action were the main forcing factors structuring the physical factors of the environment. The high dune with dense vegetation cover, and the dominant winds influenced the composition of the faunal community. Key words: terrestrial macro-invertebrates, distribution patterns, biological descriptors, river delta influence, beach ecosystems, Italy, Morocco

Effects of freshwater discharge on terrestrial arthropods in Atlantic and Mediterranean sandy shores / Colombini, I.; Chaouti, A.; Fallaci, M.; Gagnarli, E.; Scapini, F.; Bayed, A.; Chelazzi, L.. - STAMPA. - (2006), pp. 233-261. (Intervento presentato al convegno MEDCORE international conference tenutosi a Firenze nel 10-14 novembre 2005).

Effects of freshwater discharge on terrestrial arthropods in Atlantic and Mediterranean sandy shores

COLOMBINI, ISABELLA;SCAPINI, FELICITA;
2006

Abstract

The study was carried out along two sandy beaches of different geographical areas each under the influence of a nearby river. The Mediterranean site, characterised by microtidal conditions and located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Central Italy, was undergoing a phenomenon of instability. The Atlantic site was located in Morocco and was a relatively more stable environment with mesotidal conditions. The aim of the research was to focus on the interactions between the geomorphological changes of the sandy beaches and the community structure of terrestrial macro-invertebrates under riverine influence. In each locality five stations were chosen at increasing distances from the river mouth in two different seasons. In each station two transects with pitfall traps were set to capture terrestrial macro-invertebrates. Species richness, abundance, α- and β-diversity were analysed along with longshore zonation patterns. Regression analysis between sand parameters, beach characteristics, arthropod species, α and β diversity indices and the distance in km from the river mouth was carried out. Furthermore, through multiple regression analysis, the relationship between the beach characteristics and the distribution of the fauna was also considered. The results indicate that in the Italian locality the main forcing factor structuring the beach ecosystem was the erosion process taking place at the river mouth. Species richness, abundance, and diversity increased at increasing distances from the river delta and were correlated with increased habitat diversity and with lower human disturbance. Contrarily, at the Moroccan site the influence of the tides was greater than that of the Oued Sebou and this caused the absence of linear trends at increasing distances from the river mouth. In particular, the high tidal excursions and wave action were the main forcing factors structuring the physical factors of the environment. The high dune with dense vegetation cover, and the dominant winds influenced the composition of the faunal community. Key words: terrestrial macro-invertebrates, distribution patterns, biological descriptors, river delta influence, beach ecosystems, Italy, Morocco
2006
The Mediterranean coastal areas from watershed to the sea: interactions and changes
MEDCORE international conference
Firenze
10-14 novembre 2005
Colombini, I.; Chaouti, A.; Fallaci, M.; Gagnarli, E.; Scapini, F.; Bayed, A.; Chelazzi, L.
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/261423
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