Understanding coastal landslide dynamics through long-term monitoring: the Tazones Lighthouse case study (N Spain)

Rocky coasts are highly dynamic environments in which the interaction of multiple natural factors controls landscape evolution and the generation of natural hazards. Along the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain, particularly in the Asturian sector, an increase in gravity-driven erosion processes affecting coastal cliffs has been observed in recent years (Domínguez-Cuesta et al., 2022a, 2022b). One of the most representative examples is the large landslide affecting the cliff at the Tazones Lighthouse (Asturias). This landslide has been the subject of historical observations and a systematic monitoring programme, which has allowed its behaviour to be analysed over medium and long-term timescales. This contribution presents data collected over eight years of monitoring and highlights the scientific value of long-term monitoring programmes for improving the understanding of coastal landslide dynamics and their relationship with cliff retreat.

References: 

Domínguez-Cuesta, M.J., González-Pumariega, P., Valenzuela, P., López-Fernández, C., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, L., Ballesteros, D., Mora, M., Meléndez., M., Marigil, M.A., Pando, L., Cuervas-Mons, J. y Jiménez Sánchez, M. (2022a). Marine Geology 449, 106836.

Domínguez-Cuesta, M.J., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, L., López-Fernández, C., Pando, L., Cuervas-Mons, J., Olona, J., González-Pumariega, P., Serrano, J., Valenzuela, P. y Jiménez Sánchez, M. (2022b). Remote Sensing, 14(20), 5139.

Research funding:    RETROCLIFF (PID2021-122472NB-100, MCIN/AEI/FEDER, UE) and GEOCANTABRICA (IDE/2024/000753, SEK-25-GRU-GIC-24-072, Principado de Asturias).