Ventifacts and associated weathering forms in early Albian carbonates of the Cantabrian coast (Noja, Northern Spain)

Field descriptions of ventifacts sculpted in wind-abraded, Albian carbonate rock protrusions are presented in this study, as well as of the closely related, wind-influenced chemical weathering features that interfere or converge morphologically with them. Descriptions of two new ventifacts (“bows” and “pinnacles”) are presented. “Bows” compare to the hydrodynamic forward parts of ship hulls, whereas “pinnacles” are sub-circular rounded salients that form clusters in vertical rock faces turned to the wind. Additionally, “sidewall tafoni” are described in non-detrital rocks. The ventifacts are used to identify geomorphically effective winds and to deepen in the knowledge of wind-driven weathering and abrasion processes. These erosional forms (not reported so far in northern Spain) are currently active in sand-dominated beach environments under a humid, temperate climate. Inactive and reactivated forms variably erased by current coastal dynamics are also described. These share the orientation characteristics of the currently active ones, and are interpreted as reflecting unconstrained past wind conditions over decadal or longer timescales. In spite of their interest as paleoenvironmental indicators, the geomorphic associations described exhibit a low preservation potential in the area, and no fossil equivalents have been described so far in older (uplifted or submerged) Quaternary coastal platforms of northern Spain.