Rivers and cities: analysis of land use in the fluvial space of Spanish urban areas

This article analyses the existing land-uses in the areas of frequent flooding in Spanish urban areas. These are classified into groups, distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic coverages and, within these, uses that are compatible and not compatible with flooding. The analysis carried out decides and compares the distribution of uses within the fluvial space and the urban areas, studying the occupation of the rivers according to the biogeographical region to which they belong and its temporal flow. The results show that (1) rivers in the cities are potentially green infrastructures where there are plenty of natural coverings, garden areas, agriculture and livestock farming; (2) it has taken up almost three quarters of the fluvial space in urban areas; and (3) the anthropic pressure is greater in the rivers of the Mediterranean region, especially, in the intermittent flow courses. This article, highlights the lack of a coherent spatial planning with the fluvial spaces which can be useful to contribute to a methodological systematization, allowing to expand and contrast the knowledge of this scientific line.