Society-Environment Interactions: Stratigraphic and Sedimentary Analysis in the Northwestern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

The project "Society-Environment Relationships in Stratigraphic and Sedimentary Records" proposes an interdisciplinary approach to study the interactions between human societies and the natural environment in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The research is rooted in Physical Geography, employing Environmental Geography and Environmental History as conceptual frameworks to interpret interactions between natural processes and human activities across space and time. The study focuses on stratigraphic and sedimentary records in fluvial systems, coastal areas, and archaeological sites, combining synchronic and diachronic analyses. Through this methodology, it seeks to understand spatial and temporal transformations in landscapes, identifying the environmental footprints left by human activity. The project highlights the importance of fluvial and coastal ecosystems as indicators of environmental changes and reflections of society-environment interactions. Additionally, it proposes a conceptual framework that contributes to the analysis of ecosystem vulnerability and resilience dynamics in response to anthropogenic pressures, promoting an integrative perspective that bridges past and present to anticipate future challenges. This research aims to provide a robust foundation for developing tools aimed at managing and preserving natural and cultural heritage.