Transversal unhomogeneity of the littoral drift at the coastal zone of Western Abkhazia

Abstract

A continuous debris drift has been traced for 80 kilometers, from the Mzymta River mouth to Myussera Hills. The discharge and composition of debris within individual zones fluctuated more than once depending on coast exposition, sea depth near the coast and quantity of alluvium coming from the land. These factors control considerable changes of the beach width above the sea level. A considerable loss of debris takes place at one part of the coast through a submarine canyon. Main part of material accumulates at the steep submarine slope near the Pitsunda Promontory. Between the Khashupsa and Joekvara mouths the debris drift if discontinuous and the debris move only during strong western storms. The authors suppose storm currents are essential for pebble and even boulders movement along the Gagra Bay coast.