Lithodynamics of the Coastal Zone in the Inkit-Pitsunda Area (Abkhazia)

G. V. Tlyavlina*, V. A. Petrov, R. M. Tlyavlin

Research center “Sea coasts” (Branch of JSC TsNIITS), Sochi, Russia

* e-mail: TlyavlinaGV@Tsniis.com

Abstract

The paper studies lithodynamic processes in the Black Sea coastal zone from Cape Inkit to Cape Pitsunda in the Republic of Abkhazia. A review of past studies of the coastal lithodynamics in this area was carried out. The principles of allocation of lithodynamic areas were shown and the characteristics of the transverse and longitudinal structures of coastal systems were described. A scheme of lithodynamic zoning of the studied area has been developed. The paper describes sources of sediments intake and their movement in the studied coastal zone of the Inkit-Pitsunda area of Abkhazia and provides characteristics of the longshore sediment flow in the area. The coastline dynamics on a fragment of the Bzyb-Pitsunda coast was investigated. The paper estimates the volume of sediments carried out by the Bzyb River and compares it with the value of the total longshore flow of pebble sediments in the area. The coastline dynamics based on research materials of previous years was analysed, the aerial photographs taken into account. The paper also estimates sediment runoff into the tops of underwater erosion hollows (canyons) located on the underwater coastal slope from the Bzyb River to Cape Pitsunda. The paper shows that although the width of pebble beaches may reach fifty meters, in the upper part of the coastal zone, the ancient barrier beach and low terrace, which are composed of highly erodible sediments, are exposed to washouts. These washouts are caused by large waves during passing storms, and their run-up is not completely damped on the surface of even such wide beaches. The authors conclude that the existing beach is not wide enough to completely damp storm waves, as evidenced by the washouts of ancient barrier beaches. In addition, the erosion of the ancient barrier beach bases is due to the general retreat of the coastline within the sea terrace located between the mouth of the Bzyb River and Cape Pitsunda.

Keywords

abrasion, alluvial deposits, lithodynamics, lithodynamic zoning, beach, underwater canyons, sediment flow, coastal zone, accumulative terraces

For citation

Tlyavlina, G.V., Petrov, V.A. and Tlyavlin, R.M., 2024. Lithodynamics of the Coastal Zone in the Inkit-Pitsunda Area (Abkhazia). Ecological Safety of Coastal and Shelf Zones of Sea, (1), pp. 45–56.

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