CENTRAL PART OF NATURAL COASTAL SYSTEM TENDRA–JARYLGACH, THE BLACK SEA COAST

Abstract

Problems of Research and Purpose. In the theory of general geomorphology, the section on coastal-marine processes at the genetic contact-zone between Land and Ocean assigns importance to the study of relief associations. One such complex of geomorphologic association on maritime coastlines is the winged-forelands. They consist of interconnected complex capes, active cliffs, typical benches, sandy beaches, and aeolian forms. Wind, sea wave, geobotanical, zoogeographical, geochemical, and other factors contribute to their development. Their morphology and dynamics are determined by lithodynamic interaction under the influence of a unified alongshore sediment flow transport. We conducted a study of one such winged-foreland on the non-tidal Black Sea coast, a classic foreland in "the Tendra–Jarylgach shore system". Practical issues were discussed, and identified development patterns allow for rational natural resource usage, emphasizing the relevance of the topic. Purpose of our scientific work is: Based on the obtained materials, identified patterns, and analyses of the development of the classic winged-foreland "the Tendra–Jarylgach" to determine optimal natural resource usage and ways to preserve the natural resources of the coastal environment. Data and Methods: During our research, we applied route and stationary methods, above-water and underwater methods, field descriptive and instrumental methods, cartographic techniques, geographical comparisons, aerial and space remote sensing, and analytical methods. Instruments for topographic and geodetic work, underwater profiling of the nearshore slope, lithological sampling, and laboratory data processing were used. Profiling of accumulative and abrasional forms of coastal relief, coastal intersections in different parts of the winged foreland, and specific descriptions of photo-reflectance were obtained. Special attention was paid to the efficiency of coastal protective structures on the abrasional front. Basical Results and Comments: The presented materials and their brief discussion revealed that the natural system of the winged-foreland "Tendra–Jarylgach" is a complex coastal-marine system of the physical-geographical subregion level with significant dynamics. All secondary elementary systems within it are closely connected by wave energy and sediment material flows in a unified sediment balance. Therefore, its conservation and the usage of its natural resources require a comprehensive systemic approach based on general-geographical principles. Within "the Tendra–Jarylgach" winged foreland, optimal natural resource utilization is achievable based on the general principles of geography and the fundamentals of coastal studies as an interdisciplinary geographical science. Key components of optimization include: a) adherence to rules and norms regarding anthropogenic pressure on the studied natural system; b) organization of the natural system to maintain high air and sea water quality; c) resistance to abrasive activities of the sea through the implementation of effective, operational engineering-geographical measures; d) preservation of sediment balance, as the creation of sediment mass is an exclusively long-term process, while disturbance is an instantaneous process. The leading source of sediment within the studied coastal-marine system is the abrasional input from coastal cliffs and benches. A minor contribution comes as a carbonate material. The coastal zone here experiences a significant deficit of coastal sediments, actively supporting further shoreline erosion. The development of the natural system of the researched winged-foreland is driven by the active action of the unified Tendra–Jarylgach alongshore sediment transport, involving the contribution of shell-detritus. This significantly distinguishes this type of foreland from others where two branches of sediment transport flows in opposite directions from the middle of the frontal part. During particularly strong storms, up to 5% of repetitions on accumulative forms typically result in new inlets and the expansion of existing old breaches. This undermines the stability of both spits, and the entire winged foreland in total. Such negative phenomena are exacerbated by disturbances to the sediment balance, especially artificial removals of beach sands for construction purposes.