Abstract
The coastal area around the settlement of Stara Baška (Krk Island, NE channel zone of Adriatic Sea) is in a delicate geodynamic balance. The main causes are the geological structure, hydrological and hydrogeological conditions and the direct exposure of the coast to the waves and storm surges. In this paper, the effects of the expected sea level rise on the geological vulnerability of the coast are investigated. Detailed field research was conducted. The complex coastal morphology was surveyed using an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and the UAV-derived data was used as a 3D point cloud and orthophoto for analysis. In the investigated coastal zone, more resistant Quaternary talus breccias predominate over more susceptible flysch rock mass. One major and two smaller landslides are in a creeping condition and pose a hazard to the surrounding homes. During storm surges, the pocket beaches are completely inundated due to the narrow beach width and waves reach the toe of the slopes. According to the expected sea level rise, coastal processes could become more intense and threaten the current coastal equilibrium. The vulnerability of a large part of the Stara Baška settlement will increase significantly. The conducted research showed the advantages of UAV-derived data for the study of complex rocky coasts and emphasized the need for repeatable UAV surveys.
Highlights
Coastal areas are densely populated multifunctional systems with many conflicting parameters such as socio-economic activities, ecological and natural values
This paper aims to analyze the consequences of sea level rise on the already vulnerable coastal section around the settlement of Stara Baška (Figure 1)
The outputs of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-derived data are crucial for the adequate analysis of the geological hazard of the complex rocky coast near Stara Baška, as it enables mapping and facilitates the analysis of coastal stability
Summary
Coastal areas are densely populated multifunctional systems with many conflicting parameters such as socio-economic activities, ecological and natural values. Understanding the interrelationships is fundamental for sustainable coastal management [1]. Continental and marine processes along coastal areas are changing the landscape [2]. Climate change will increase the vulnerability of coastal areas [3]. The main impacts of climate change on coastal areas are related to meteorological changes, especially sea level rise [4]. Cliff erosion depends on wave action [5,6], beach width [7,8], cliff lithology and geometry [9,10], tectonic activity [11], groundwater, moisture and water availability [12,13]
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