Tectonics may affect closed watersheds used to monitor climate change and human activity effects

Playa lakes developed in closed watersheds have been used as environmental impact indicators (global warming, water extractions, etc.), but they could be also sensitive to active tectonics. Our study area is located the main watershed western Betics, northern branch of Gibraltar arc, which within fold-and-thrust belt. This characterized by an endorheic zone that includes some playa floored low-permeable rocks. shows reduction or disappearance playa-lake flooded surfaces due their area. favoured stream catchments related knickpoints, seem generated quaternary activity a dextral-transpressive band Betics χ map higher erosion power Mediterranean streams, will likely catch this tectonics quiescence. Statement significance are commonly impacts such global warming extractions. In work, we analyse how these systems small balance variations The chose apply new approach Atlantic-Mediterranean divide (northern arc). recent belt segment provoked gateway closure and Messinian Salinity Crisis at 5.6 My. surface modifications, together with structural other geomorphic analyses index, never before has it made detect structures. Active influenced medium-term evolution studied useful predict both landscape drainage network future. fact, possible effect tectonic should taken into account when using monitor climate change and/or local stressors pumping activities.