Coastal dunes relief and relative sea level changes

Abstract

The conception of the aeolian accumulation growth during transgressions is critically discussed. Dunes formation is shown to be under strong impact of the morpho- and lithodynamics of the offshore and beach under the condition of relative sea level changes. On the basis of composition and texture analysis of Littorina key section in the Liepaya bar (East Baltic) the model of high dunes formation was developed. Stabilization of sea level during regression conduces to the appearance and the grouping of coastal dunes. If the ingression takes place, reactivation of previously formed dune ridges happens during the stages when sea level is stabile or decreasing.