The geographical zone shows the Vrasville marshes; that is to say, the zone contained within Mares Point and north of Vrasville village. All of it is situated within the municipalities of Vrasville and Réthoville.

Vrasville marsh possesses a hydraulic mechanism (a tidal flood gate) that allows it to empty an excess of freshwater into the sea during periods of heavy precipitation.  The aerial photos are taken when there are no clouds,that is often during the dry season; this explains why it is difficult to make out the contours of the marshes.

Experience has shown that the hydraulic mechanisms that are on the inner coastal marshes deteriorate one after the other, and that these wet zones have a tendency to be under water more and more frequently. It seems that Vrasville marsh cannot escape this tendency, which is why it is progressively clearer on the aerial photos.

 

Also, the aerial photos allow the zones where the dune cordon has been submerged by the sea to be traced: these are strips where the dune vegetation has disappeared as if “painted over” on the dune.  It is interesting to note the position of these zones, but above all to see that their size and number have increased since the beginning of the century. A priori, we can deduce that there have been more frequent marine submersions.

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