Investigations of sand transportation near the Lithuanian Sea coast

Abstract

Lithuania has only a short (92 km long) coastline along the south east coast of the Baltic Sea. The coast and a belt near it are mostly covered with sand. Sand lies in a narrow coastal bottom zone to the depth of about 7 meters and partly in deeper areas. To keep the necessary depth the Klaipėda Port periodically deepens the navigable canal. It has been done since the 19th century. The process of deepening became especially intensive after World War II. Strong winds move light deposit lying on the sea bottom and sea currents start transporting them. During hurricanes and strong gales the transportation of sediments along the shore is most intensive. It can cause either wash away of the coast or make it grow sometimes.