Geomorphological constraint and boundary effect on Posidonia oceanica meadows

Marco Ferrari (*), Monica Montefalcone (*), Chiara F. Schiaffino (*), Carlo Nike Bianchi (*), Nicola Corradi (*), Carla Morri (*) & Matteo Vacchi (**)
(*) Distav, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16100, Genoa, Italy. E-mail: ferrari@dipteris.unige.it (**) Ot-Med Labex, Europôle Méditerranéen de l'Arbois Bâtiment du CAREGE, Aix en Provence, France.

The geomorphological constraint and boundary effect on Posidonia oceanica meadows along the Ligurian coast (Italy, NW Mediterranean) were investigated. Meadows limit and structure were analysed in five rocky coastal areas with different levels of exposure to wave action and various degrees of geomorphological control. The aim is to identify whether geomorphological boundaries constrain meadows and assess whether this can induce any change in meadows development. Our results demonstrate that natural geomorphological boundaries constrain the behaviour of Posidonia oceanica P. meadows, producing variability in upper limits. Moreover, the embayment system configuration determines the formation of erosive channels by rip circulation therefore influencing the meadow.

Embayment circulation, Posidonia oceanica, rip current, seagrass