The effects of the storm Gloria: a sign of the need for urgent action in the Ebro delta

Abstract

The storm Gloria affected the Ebro delta in January 2020 causing floods, coastal regression and losses in fishing and aquaculture activities. The analysis of the causes indicates that as important as the magnitude of the storm are the coastal dynamics, conditioned by the lack of river sediment contribution for decades and the current situation on the coast. The article also addresses how the phenomenon of the delta regression has been studied, planned and managed with a series of projects, plans and actions that have provided information and experience but have not been sufficiently decisive to avoid the impact of the Gloria and other storms. The forecast of climate change suggests that, if similar episodes are to be avoided, it is necessary to act with urgency, starting with streamlining the transport of sediment from the Ebro basin to the delta.

Keywords: Gloria Storm, coastal regression, climatic change, Ebro delta.