River Systems and Environmental Change

This chapter examines the interaction between river systems and environmental changes in the Mediterranean region during the Late Quaternary, a period of approximately 130,000 years. The objective is to assess how climatic variability, tectonics, and human activities have influenced runoff and sediment delivery over this extensive timeframe. The methodology involves a review of existing research, integrating archaeological findings, geomorphological studies, and geochronological data to analyze the responses of river systems to past environmental shifts. Significant highlights include the effects of the last glacial-interglacial cycle on river channel positions and the formation of deltas and coastal alluvial plains, alongside a discussion of geologically significant archaeological sites. The results indicate widespread evidence for major transformations in river behavior and sediment dynamics linked to climatic and anthropogenic influences, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in understanding these processes. This analysis contributes to the broader knowledge of geoarchaeology and the historical context of river environments within the Mediterranean landscape.