Muntanyans II - how do we know it is wetland?
Does the Muntanyans II site at Torredembarra have wetland characteristics? Wetlands can be flooded or have water at or near the surface for at least part of the year.
Evidence
1. There is recent video evidence of flash flooding from the Gibert Torrent that discharges into the Muntanyans site. The flood images below are from Platform Salvem Muntanyans, October 2006.
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| Muntanyans flash flooding | Same Muntanyans location after the flood |
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| Flooding of the Muntanyans II site Video: Platform Salvem Muntanyans October 2006 |
2. Wetland vegetation can be identified within the Els
Muntanyans proposed development, as well as further inland within the drainage
basin of the Gibert Torrent.
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| Wetland vegetation to the north of Els Muntanyans |
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| Wetland vegetation within the Els Muntanyans proposed development |
3. Wetlands have unique soils - hydric soils. These tend to be black in colour, do not hold much oxygen and are saturated with water most of the year. In the absence of oxygen, certain microorganisms produce hydrogen sulphide from organic sulphur, giving these soils a charactistic rotten egg smell.
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| Hydric soil zone within the Els Muntanyans proposed development |