OVER-ALL FEATURES OF THE GEOMORPHOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF THE AZERBAYDZHAN COAST OF THE CASPIAN SEA

Abstract

The northern shore of the Apsheron Peninsula and the section of western shore of the Caspian Sea immediately north of that headland are shown to be aggradational. Heavy-mineral analysis shows the suspended load brought into the sea by the rivers which drain the Samur-Divichi coastal plain to be the source of the greater part of the aggraded material; the littoral currents which bring the material down the coast are generated by strong prevailing northerly winds. The northern shore of the Apsheron Peninsula introduces a change in the direction of the shoreline; here aggradation is due to wave action generated by the same northerly winds, rather than littoral currents. Submerged eroded ridges of pre-Quaternary rocks facilitate aggradation in the vicinity of the Apsheron Peninsula. Wave-cut terraces which mark a lower Quaternary rise in the level of the Caspian Sea are present in and near the section of shore where aggradation is due to wave action. Recent folding has been demonstrated in the region; this ha...