Aeolian processes on the cliffs of Wolin Island

Abstract

Aeolian processes are commonplace on sandy sea-coasts. Also, the slopes of the cliffs are subject to deflation as they are exposed to morpho-formative wind-directions. At present, these processes can be observed on the south coast of Baltic Sea, on the cliffs of Wolin Island. Fine sand blow away from cliffs and the dust carried by wind to the crown of the cliff, on which aeolian covers of various thickness and range. Research on Wolin Island demonstrated that winds of rarely occuring sectors but with greater speed have impact on the intensity of aeolian processes. The greatest dynamics of aeolian processes could be observed in deflation-rubble recess on clay and sandy fragment of the cliff. Plant life on the slope of the cliff in the proximity of the recess and vegetation growing on the crown of the cliff had considerable influence on the course of deflation, transport and aeolian accumulation processes.