SOCIB publishes a new study on the formation and dismantling processes of Posidonia oceanica berms and their relationship with wave propagation

Graphical abstract: Posidonia oceanica berms formation and dismantling mechanisms and their relation with wave breaking types.

A recent study involving the Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (ICTS SOCIB), the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA CSIC-UIB), the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and Cornell University (USA) provides new insights into Posidonia oceanica berms—natural accumulations of leaves from this endemic Mediterranean seagrass that form along the coasts. The results show that the formation and dismantling of these vegetative berms are directly linked to hydrodynamic conditions, particularly variations in wave height, energy, and period as they move toward the shore, as well as the type of wave breaking in shallow waters, which can be more or less energetic.

The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, integrates an unprecedented database in terms of temporal extent and frequency, compiling over 10 years of observations of Posidonia oceanica berms along the coastline, and wave conditions in Cala Millor. Using ICTS SOCIB’s comprehensive beach monitoring system and advanced numerical models, it analyses the formation and dismantling events of Posidonia oceanica berms, their typology and seasonality, as well as the hydrodynamic wave patterns associated with these events.

"There is a marked seasonality in the presence and typology of Posidonia oceanica berms, linked to the species' life cycle and sea level fluctuations within the same year. The formation processes of these berms are associated with long-period waves and energetic breaking. In contrast, dismantling processes occur with less energetic waves and gentler breaking," explains Àngels Fernández, head of the ICTS SOCIB Beach Monitoring facility and co-author of the study.

"The study highlights the importance of investing in the maintenance of observation systems and data generation, which not only advance scientific knowledge but also enable its transfer to society and the institutions responsible for coastal management and conservation," explain Lluís Gómez-Pujol and Alejandro Orfila, researchers from UIB and IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), respectively, and co-authors of the study.

This open-access article reinforces ICTS SOCIB's commitment to generating knowledge for the sustainable management of coastal areas. Additionally, it highlights the close collaboration between ICTS SOCIB, UIB, and IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) in coastal morphodynamics research.

Reference article

Fernandez-Mora, A., Gómez-Pujol, L., Coco, G., & Orfila, A. (2025). Hydrodynamic conditions of Posidonia oceanica seagrass berm formation and dismantling events. Science of The Total Environment, 958, 178005.