Hydrometeorological Conditions for the Occurrence of Aeolian Processes on the Southern Baltic Coast in Poland

Marcin Hojan,Jacek Tylkowski,Mirosław Rurek

doi:10.3390/w10121745

Marcin Hojan, Jacek Tylkowski + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/w10121745

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Abstract

This article presents the temporal and spatial variability of hydrometeorological conditions conducive aeolian processes on the Southern Baltic coastal zone in Poland. The analysis made use of daily meteorological (wind, temperature, and rainfall) and hydrological (sea level) data from 1961 to 2010. Data for four stations (Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Ustka, Hel) were provided by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management in Warsaw. A time decomposition of hydrometeorological conditions conducive to the initiation and intensification of aeolian processes in the coastal zone was also performed. In addition to their scientific significance, the temporal and spatial conditions for aeolian processes on the Baltic coast of Poland have an essential utilitarian significance. Modern aeolian processes on the Baltic coast limit the development potential of the coastal zone. Aeolian processes have a positive and negative impact on geomorphological transformation of the sea coast. They take part in the reconstruction of the beach and foredunes after storms. In periods between storms, coastal wind is seen to decrease the balance of beach sediments and lowers the beach area. On the other hand, onshore wind favors, among other things, filling of tourist infrastructure and development located at the hinterland of the beach and dunes. Hydrometeorological conditions especially favorable to the intensification of aeolian processes are the main determinants of geomorphological changes in the coastal zone (some of which can be extreme). Temporal and spatial analysis of hydrometeorological conditions conducive to aeolian processes is important for many areas of human activity, especially those concerning protection, management, and development of the coast.

Highlights

To determine how geo-ecosystems of the coastal zone function, it is necessary to identify in detail the hydrometeorological conditions that most influence the trend, cyclicality, and seasonality of geomorphological processes
This work aims to analyze meteorological data, which will allow to establish to answer to the following question: Do hydrometeorological conditions changing in time and space translate into variability of conditions for potential initiation and intensity of aeolian processes in the Polish coastal zone of the Southern Baltic? For this purpose, hydrometeorological threshold values for the potential favorable conditions of aeolian processes were defined, time dynamics and spatial variability of hydrometeorological conditions were indicated, and frequency of intensification of aeolian processes in relation to conducive hydrometeorological conditions was presented
During storm surges (≥570 cm in the Polish Baltic coastal zone), the sea level is high, making the availability of beach sediments for aeolian processes low, and sometimes cancelling it altogether

Summary

Introduction

To determine how geo-ecosystems of the coastal zone function, it is necessary to identify in detail the hydrometeorological conditions that most influence the trend, cyclicality, and seasonality of geomorphological processes. An example of such a process is aeolian transport. It constitutes an important factor for shaping beaches, coastal dunes and sandy cliff slopes. Research on aeolian processes was carried out irregularly and in various parts of the Polish Baltic coast, including: Świna Gate Sandbar [1], Wolin island [2,3], Kołobrzeg [4], Mierzeja Łebska [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11], Lubiatowo [12], and Hel [13].

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