Abstract:

In this paper we study the coastal zone in the region of Acheloos’ river mouth and delta. In recent years, this region has been subjected to a series of environmental changes, primarily due to intense human activity concerning large hydroelectric
dams. These dams created between 1960 and 1986 are responsible for important changes of the river’s flow. The purpose of this study is to record the changes that have occurred between those years and present time; to define and analyze their possible consequences on the coastal geomorphology of the region. For this reason we used topographical and geological maps (scale 1:50.000), aerial photos (scale 1:33.000) and finally satellite photos. A geographical database has been created in a GIS with environmental, geological, geomorphological and anthropogenic features of the studied area. All digital data were analyzed spatially and quantitative in order to describe the change of delta shape, size and finally the occupied land use. Finally different thematic maps were created showing the geomorphological and environmental changes during those years.