Cliff top recession rate and cliff hazards for the sea coast of Wolin Island (Southern Baltic)

Abstract

The paper presents results of studies on the rate of erosion of the Wolin Island cliffed coast (NW Poland) during the last three decades. Trends of geomorphological changes were defined based on multiannual observations (1984-2014). Changes were controlled by secular and extreme processes. Research has shown that the intensity of the processes shaping the Wolin Island cliffed coast were characterized by a clear seasonal variability. Analysis of hydro-meteorological conditions allowed to present the threshold values of the most important factors initiating cliffs hazard. The destruction of the cliff, differing in range, occurs in the above-threshold conditions. Multiannual research and direct observations of the functioning of the cliffed coast conducted herein gave a base to propose the safety shield and information system about the cliff hazard.