LTSER Ria de Aveiro - Portugal

The Ria de Aveiro has a complex history, both geologically and related to human activity. Its geological formation follows the shoreline evolution along the Portuguese coasts since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). From the analysis of maps dating back to the 13th, 16th and 19th centuries AD, it was suggested that the Ria de Aveiro has developed from an embayment approximately 70 km in length and 20 km in width at the mouth of the River Vouga. At that time, the system was separated from the ocean only in the north by an embryonic sand spit. However, by the end of the 16th century, the natural inlet from the ocean became progressively smaller in width, and followed the continued southward growth of the spit. Furthermore, by the beginning of the 19th century, the Aveiro lagoon was almost completely isolated from the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, the connection with the Atlantic was only possible for very small boats, while the system became naturally fluvially dominant. By the end of the 18th century, the lagoon became isolated from the maritime trade routes. Due to the reduction in marine influence and water exchange with the sea, the landscape also changed. This scenario changed in 1808 when an artificial connection to the sea was established by opening a canal in the coastal strand.