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The results of both onshore and offshore monitoring of the coastal zone in the Russian Baltic reveal the high intensity and recent acceleration of coastal dynamics caused by an increasing frequency of extreme hydrodynamic events and anthropogenic impacts on the diverse geology. Stable coasts dominate in the eastern Gulf of Finland, but the local rate of shoreline recession is up to 2.0 m a−1, reaching 5 m in one extreme storm event. The coastal zone of the Kaliningrad area is diverse. The western coast of the Sambia Peninsula is controlled by anthropogenic influences linked to the exploitation of geological resources. The beaches advance when the supply of artificial sediments from opencast amber mines increases, whereas the shoreline retreat reaches 10–20 m a−1 when the input is interrupted. Active landslides and beach degradation dominate along the northern coast of the Sambia Peninsula. Large areas of pre-Quaternary deposits, outcrops and boulders in the nearshore provide evidence of sediment deficiency offshore. The coastal geological hazards are dependent on climate. A comprehensive understanding of the main trends in climate change is important for predicting and mitigating future damage to the coastal infrastructure and for selecting adaptation strategies. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Mapping the Geology and Topography of the European Seas (EMODnet) collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/EMODnet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though semi-sheltered sea areas usually have limited wave energy resources, some regions of such basins may still be suitable for wave energy production. We provide a review of the existing wave energy studies in the Baltic Sea basin and discuss specific features and limitations for wave energy production in this water body and possible types of small-scale wave energy converters. We also extend the numerical analysis of wave energy resources in the Baltic Sea to some semi-sheltered nearshore sections that may host large levels of wave energy flux because of a specific combination of the wind regime and geometry of the sea. The test areas are located in the vicinity of the Bay of Gdańsk and in the eastern Gulf of Finland. The estimates of wave energy flux rely on numerically reconstructed time series of wave properties with a spatial resolution of 5.5 km along a >200 km long coastal section. The average wave energy resource in the test areas is much lower than at the open eastern Baltic Sea coast. However, several sections of the test regions have wave energy potential comparable to fully-open nearshore areas. The onshore wave energy flux reaches 1.79 kW/m at the coast of the Sambian (Samland) Peninsula and 1.61 kW/m in selected sections of the north-eastern Gulf of Finland. These levels provide reasonable options for local wave energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal reclamation is a major feature of contemporary land planning. As a multicomponent natural system, the coastal zone is impacted by various external processes (inundation, erosion, etc.) and land habitat demands an increased focus on anthropogenic activity. For the first time, a coastal vulnerability index (CVI) has been determined for the easternmost area of the Gulf of Finland (the Baltic Sea) (EGoF) in order to assess vulnerability of the coastal zone to erosion. The parameters for the CVI assessment were identified on the basis of existing field observations and analysis of environmental factors expressed in the EGoF. This research is focused on coastal segments prone to the rapid development of erosion, a subject highly relevant for coastal management. The CVI assessment, based on a method proposed by Gornitz (1991), uses seven physical parameters grouped according to geological, geomorphological, lithodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics. Storminess, or susceptibility to destructive storm events, was applied for the study area not only because of the global increase in storm activity but also because this area undergoes a "bay-effect". An experts' assessment distinguished the most crucial parameters that triggered the coastal erosion process, namely that coastal geology and the number of destructive storms affected coastal processes. • Coastal vulnerability to the erosion processes can be evaluated. • Coastal erosion is governed by a set of climatic, environmental and anthropogenic factors. • Coastal geology and susceptibility to storms play an important role for the erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of VSEGEI research have shown that coastal zone of the Gulf of Finland is strongly affected by erosion processes.The use of drones turned upside down the methods of modern environmental monitoring. Thus, a small quadrocopter makes possible to get an orthophoto of the terrain relatively cheap and very fast comparing to traditional aerial photography methods. Usage of drones in Russian Federation are not regulated by law yet, but we widely use them in our investigations. Regular surveys in the study area allows us to monitor the dynamics of the coastline and additionally the coastal underwater ramparts.Upper part of the coastal geological sequence consists of easily erodible Quaternary deposits represented mainly by Holocene marine sands and Late Pleistocene sandy and clayey loam of glacial origin. Maximal rate of erosion escarpment retreat is about 5 m in vicinity of Kurortny District. For the years without extreme storm events, the mean rates of retreat are less than 0.5 m/year.During long-term observations with the involvement of remote sensing data showed that the coastal zone in the area of the village of Bolshaya Izhora is one of the most dynamic parts of the coast. From 2011 to 2018, the movement of the coast projection (waves) is 180 m. The wavy shore contour moves in the eastern direction with an average speed of 25 m / year. The last analyzes of the dynamics of the coastal zone of Kotlin Island showed (data from the WWII Aerial Photos of August 15, 1939 and modern satellite imagery) that the development has a similar principle: straightening the coast with capes erosion and filling (accumulation) located of the adjacent bays to the East. During 76 years the average erosion rates are 1.2–1.6 m / year.This research was carried out in frame of project № 17-77-20041 of Russian Science Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]