El lago de Enol (Asturias): origen, evolución y dinámica geomorfológica

Abstract

[ES] Dentro de un proyecto para la evaluación y seguimiento del cambio global en lagos de montaña, se ha elaborado un estudio geomorfológico para analizar el origen y la dinámica del lago de Enol (P.N. de Picos de Europa), mediante una cartografía del entorno y una batimetría de detalle del propio lago.

[EN] A geomorphological study of lake Enol (Picos de Europa National Park, Spain) and its surroundings has been carried out by means of geomorphological mapping and a high resolution batimetry of the lake, in order to analyse its origin and active processes, as a part of a project for the assessment and monitoring of global changes in mountain lakes. The lake basin has been characterised as a glacial hollow excavated by the ice flow during the last glacial period, though additional factors such as karstification and litho-structure must be considered. The climatic evolution has been decisive in its geomorphological evolution and the changes in the prevailing processes, from glaciarism and periglaciarism in the Pleistocene, to karst and surface runoff in the Holocene. Especially since the late 19th century, the human action has been becoming a determining factor, in particular due to the direct alteration y the construction of a dam at the lake outlet, with the resulting water level rise and surface enlargement; and, moreover, the increase of soil erosion by water in the immediate surroundings and deposition into the lake, as a consequence of variations in the watershed limits, in the surficial drainage network and in the hydraulic connectivity of the slopes after the enlargement of a road and the construction of a pathway for visitors.