Land cover evolution

Assessing the capacity of quarry biodiversity and ecosystems to cope with climate challenges

This entry shows the evolution of the Rezola quarry study area through the analysis of a historical series of orthophotos.

A historical series of orthophotos from 1956 to the present is available in Geouskadi. The latest orthophoto available is from 2020. Three intermediate flights have been considered (1984, 1991 & 2001).
The initial image is prior to the establishment of the quarry. The site of the future quarry is occupied by small agricultural plots. There are areas covered by natural vegetation compatible with the autochthonous Atlantic Forest. There would also be the initial stages of reforestation activities.
The quarry`s activity has already begun in 1984. The main area of quarry activity and the quarry in the Bolintxu sub-basin are identified. Pastorekorta is covered with trees, probably pine plantations.
In the 1991 image the 3 quarry areas are identified, and the cement factoryt is clearly distinguishable. The tree-covered area has been significantly limited, with meadows or low scrubland areas being identified. Forest tracks are clearly recognised and the forest mass has been reduced (felling of some mature stands?)
The 2001 image shows the expansion of the quarry. Forestry activity continues with the appearance of new areas without trees and others covered by them in the Pastorekorta area. The Bolintxu sub-basin has vegetation compatible with natural recovery. The Mendikosolo reservoir is visible.
In 2020 it is possible to identify areas of forest plantations together with intercalated stands of natural forest. Furthermore, the forest recovery in Bolintxu is more evident.