What geological features contribute to sediment supply in Mallorca in the absence of rivers?

Mallorca’s sediment supply, despite the notable absence of significant river systems, is largely influenced by its unique geological features, particularly its mountainous terrain and karst landscapes. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which runs along the northwestern coast, plays a crucial role as a source of sediment. These mountains are composed primarily of limestone and other sedimentary rocks, which undergo continuous weathering and erosion due to natural processes like rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and wind. The breakdown of these rocks generates fine sediments and larger fragments that are transported downslope by gravity and occasional surface runoff.

Additionally, Mallorca’s karst topography, characterized by soluble limestone features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems, contributes to sediment dynamics in a distinctive way. Instead of surface rivers, water typically percolates through cracks and fissures in the limestone, emerging intermittently as springs that can carry sediment to coastal and lowland areas. Erosion within these subterranean environments also deposits sediment where water resurfaces, indirectly feeding sediment into coastal deposits and beach systems.

Coastal processes further influence sediment supply on the island. The waves and currents redistribute the material eroded from cliffs and bluffs, which are common along Mallorca’s rugged shorelines. This sediment is transported along the coast through longshore drift, supplying sand and gravel to beaches and bays. In essence, Mallorca’s sedimentary environment is formed by a complex interplay of mountainous erosion, karst hydrogeology, and marine dynamics, creating a unique geological setting that sustains its coastal landscapes without the help of rivers.