The stream and coastal interface at Mistra Bay : measuring flows and changes

Abstract

Streams and coastal interface have been one of the major factors constituting physical geography that have also greatly influenced human activity in time. Various studies have been carried out along the years that have led to various theories and definitions on the subject. Specific studies about streams and coastal interface in the Maltese Islands are still rather uncommon and much of the analysis made is in its initial stage of corroboration. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that human geography has been the main focus of geographic interest and research. Conscious of this state of affairs, my thesis attempts to describe what happens in such areas in the Maltese Islands. In particular, the focus of my analysis is Mistra Bay which is located in the northern part of the island and where the water course formed by the convergence of Mizieb Valley and Mistra Valley meets up. In Mistra Bay, sedimentation 'constantly occurs alternating according to how seasonal elements are characterised by either stream or beach sediments. The scope of this thesis is therefore to find out and analyse the various changes that occur in this area of interface and ultimately to determine the mid-point of where the stream and coast are in harmony. In pursuance of such objectives, different aspects were considered starting from the surface pattern changes and moving downwards whilst keeping within manageable depth. The analysis of surface patterns incorporated changes in sediment percentages and vegetation. The compilation of data at different points and different depths is an asset since this enables one to have a better and more scientific point of view of such interface. In this way, my II research analysis enabled me to determine the pattern changes below the surface and how this affected the texture and size differentiation along this interface.