MODERN CHANGES COUNTOUR OF COASTLINE SPITS OF THE SEA OF AZOV

Abstract

Problem Statement and Purpose. At present the studying of the shores and their dynamics configuration and especially the most active parts – the heads of the Azov spits, is caused by both reasons dynamic and geopolitical changes as well. A large number of spits is a characteristic feature of the shores of the Azov Sea. There are spits all over the coast of the Azov Sea. However, spits oriented deep into the Azov Sea shore line there are just on the northern sea area. The reason of intense lithodynamic processes in the coastal zone of the Azov is the high velocities of currents in the bottom layer as a result of storm winds. In the coastal zone of the sea the cycle of abrasion rate from 1 to 4 m per year (sometimes up to 15m per year) was established. Fluctuations in the level of the Azov Sea are provides by many natural factors acting simultaneously and input to abrasion processes. The largest range of fluctuations is associated with wind activity phenomena. Data & Methods. In the paper takes into account the regular field studies of the position of the coastline of the distal parts – the streamer heads using of satellite radio navigation systems – GPS receivers. The radio navigation equipment recorded the exact route along the interaction zone. The sampling was carried out in a calm period on the sea surface. The data in situ (recorded routes) were compared with retrospective data of GIS systems. Cartographic materials, various specialized sources of information and satellite images were also used for the further analysis. Results. In fact, this paper is an attempt for the first time analysis of the available retrospective, modern and satellite monitoring data for the comparing of the dynamics of the Azov spits in frame of Ukraine area. As an example the dynamics of the coast line of the spits: Biryuchiy Island, Obitochnaya, Berdyanskaya and Belosaraiskaya were done. The study of the modern state of the Ukrainian coast line in the Azov Sea, the possible degradation of the coastal part of the sea and the reasons causes of it isessential for the sustainable development of the economy, the recreational potential of the region, the social level of the population and the geopolitical situation in the event of delimitation in the Azov Sea.