20 Hydrogeology and Marine/Coastal Geoscience (Posters)

This session covers aspects related to SGDs & their associated aquifers, including but not limited to: water–rock interaction, coastal aquifer contamination, geochemical transformation, hydrological flows, saline intrusion, coastal estuaries, and environmental, economic, and social SGD-related issues.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
LMH, 5th Floor Chapel

Coastal Erosion at Cabo Pulmo Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Induced by Tropical Cyclone Impacts.

Paper number: 20-0
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Authors

  • Eymeé Sosa Parodis Presenting Author
    Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas CICIMAR-IPN, La Paz, BCS
  • Enrique Nava Sánchez
    Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas CICIMAR-IPN, La Paz, BCS
  • Janette Murillo Jiménez
    Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas CICIMAR-IPN, La Paz, BCS
  • Griselda Rodríguez Figueroa
    Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas CICIMAR-IPN, La Paz, BCS
  • Guillermo Martínez Flores
    Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas CICIMAR-IPN, La Paz, BCS

Abstract

Coastal zones are vulnerable to natural stressors such as tropical cyclones, which alter coastal morphodynamics and the livelihoods of coastal communities. In this context, applied coastal management based on geoscience is key to ensuring socioeconomic sustainability under environmental change. Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), located along the southwestern coast of the Gulf of California, is one of the most relevant marine areas in the region, as it hosts the only coral reef system in this part of the Gulf. Declared as a protected natural area in 1995 and designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2006, CPNP represents an emblematic example of conservation. Cabo Pulmo Bay is bounded by rocky headlands, with an andesitic breccia outcropping at its northern headland and exposed granitic rocks on the central and southern areas. The coastline is composed by erosional scarps with gravelly and sandy beaches at their base, beaches at the mouths of the main ephemeral streams, outcrops of granitic and volcanic rocks, as well as beach conglomerates and sandstones. Coastal erosion along the 6.9 km-long shoreline is of particular concern due to its impact on ecosystem services and local economic activities. This study evaluates the impact of tropical cyclones on the coastline during the 2014–2023 period by analyzing cyclone-related variables and satellite imagery to detect shoreline changes. In addition, a topographic, granulometric, and lithological characterization of the rocky coast was conducted. The mechanical resistance of rocky outcrops was also assessed using a Schmidt hammer. The most dominant variables were cyclone category, accumulated precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and the minimum distance of the cyclone relative to the study area. The results indicate that lithological heterogeneity controls the erosional response, with volcanic and intrusive rocks exhibiting higher resistance, whereas poorly consolidated sedimentary lithologies represent the most vulnerable zones. These findings provide key information for applied coastal management and serve as a basis for decision-making in coastlines subjected to extreme climatic forcing.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-410939

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