Evolución reciente del drenaje en la Depresión del Guadalentín (Murcia, SE España)

Abstract

In this study the development and recent evolution of the drainge within the Guadalentín Depression (Murcia) is analized in basis of geologic, geomorphic and historie data. The results indicate that severa/ holocene drainage patterns, very different to the present one, have occurred. The most significant goal is de identification of a previous drainage pattern very different to the present one, which is clearly showed by ancient maps of the 17th Century. This is characterized by the occurrence of two different channels dissecting the axial zone of the Depression, but separated by a large playa-lake area located between Totana and Librilla: An ancient Guadalentín river and an ancient Sangonera river. Eventually, from the late 17th Century the artificial drainage of the central playa-lake zone of Totana-Librilla took place through the connection of both ancient rivers. This canalization, has been forgotten through the years and traditionally considered as a natural landform in the fluvial landscape of the Depression.