The storm Gloria in Catalonia in historical perspective. Characteristics and impacts of winter flood episodes on the peninsular Mediterranean coast (years 1035-2020)

Abstract

The storm Gloria in Catalonia in historical perspective. Characteristics and impacts of winter flood episodes on the peninsular Mediterranean coast (years 1035-2020)

The present project aims to analyze the flood episodes that occurred in Catalonia

during the Winter period. Using recently created databases, we present a study on the behaviour of these floods on a historical scale. The 68 episodes with the greatest impact detected in the rivers of the peninsular Mediterranean basin, between 1605 and 2020, are organized in 6 different patterns depending on the extension affected. The affectations in different hydrographic basins of the 46 episodes caused by Mediterranean depressions are studied, as well as the degree of social impact registered in Catalonia.

Keywords: Catalonia, Documentary sources, Historical climatology, Historical Floods, Mediterranean rivers.