Abstract
The Polish Baltic Sea coast is subject to constant changes as a result of sea erosion on sandy and clayey sections. Sand accumulates only on a few sandy sections of the shore. There are various methods of protection limiting the negative impact of sea waves on the shore. In the city of Rowy, the coast was secured with the use of a comprehensive method (artificial reef, textile tube, spurs, and beach nourishment), which has mitigated the sea’s negative impact. The beach has been widened. The upper part of the beach has been built up to the level of the foredune. Biotechnical protection has not been applied at the border between the beach and the foredune (fascine hurdles from brushwood, sand fences, and branches). This has caused wind blowing of sand from the beach to the forest growing on the foredune. The sand also covered the access road to holiday resorts. This was favored by the strong wind from the sea. Several morphological surveys were carried out, including topographic surveys and sedimentological samplings. The range of sand coverage and types of forms (aeolian shadows and drifts) were determined. Fifty eight samples of sand from various sources were collected for sedimentological analysis. Speed and directions of winds that occurred in 2001–2018 were also analyzed. Three wind speed criteria were distinguished: ≥4 m·s-1, ≥10 m·s-1, and ≥15 m·s-1, responsible for blowing away and transporting material. Results indicate that reconstruction of the beach to the height of the foredune, lack of biotechnical protection, and strong, coastal directions of the wind were the main factors responsible for increased aeolian transport of sand inland. Effects of aeolian processes such as those observed on the beach in Rowy were not observed elsewhere on the Polish coast of the South Baltic Sea, where beach nourishment was also performed.
Highlights
Estimates related to the global trend of sea level rise indicate that by the end of the 21st Century, the sea level may rise to 0.4 m and even to 0.6 m in relation to the current level [1]
Successive rising of the sea level will have an influence on the shaping of the coastal line, and the growing number of storm events will lead to the occurrence of storm floods in many places in the world [1]
Other authors, considering climatic changes and glacio-isostatic movements, estimated that the southern coast of the Baltic Sea is rising at an average speed of 0.02 m·a−1 [3]
Summary
Estimates related to the global trend of sea level rise indicate that by the end of the 21st Century, the sea level may rise to 0.4 m and even to 0.6 m in relation to the current level [1]. Successive rising of the sea level will have an influence on the shaping of the coastal line, and the growing number of storm events will lead to the occurrence of storm floods in many places in the world [1]. Changes in the level of the Baltic Sea depend on eustatic and glacio-isostatic movements. According to the results of observations conducted over the last 200 years, the fastest to rise is the. The southern Baltic coast rises at around 0.01 m·a−1 [2]. Other authors, considering climatic changes and glacio-isostatic movements, estimated that the southern coast of the Baltic Sea is rising at an average speed of 0.02 m·a−1 [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
