Spatiotemporal sediment dynamics and vegetation recovery of a Mediterranean coastal dune system following an extreme event

Coastal dunes in Mediterranean environments are dynamic geomorphic systems playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and protecting against coastal erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. However, these systems are highly sensitive to anthropogenic pressures such as urbanization or land-use changes, which alter sediment dynamics and vegetation cover, ultimately reducing their resilience to environmental stressors. As a result, coastal dunes are particularly sensitive to natural and human-induced disturbances, which can disrupt their ecological and geomorphological equilibrium, posing significant challenges for their conservation. This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of Cala Mesquida (Mallorca, Spain), a Mediterranean coastal dune system affected by extreme perturbation and anthropogenic impacts. It analyses the impact of a 2001 coastal storm and evaluates the effectiveness of subsequent dune restoration measures. A multi-decadal assessment spanning 1956–2023 revealed severe impacts, particularly in 2001, with the destruction of the dune front through sediment transport reactivation, and significant vegetation degradation. The implementation in 2009 of nature-based management strategies by means of sediment retention traps and planting of psammophyte vegetation led to the ecosystem recovery and morphological stabilization, highlighting the potential of soft management measures to support ecosystem recovery. Understanding coastal dunes as sensitive terrestrial systems, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, findings emphasize how these systems are particularly vulnerable to disturbances such as coastal storms and human activities and, at the same time, they possess a significant capacity for recovery when supported by appropriate management practices.