Analysis of Formation, development and Contemporary Morphodynamic Processes of Batumi Cape

Abstract

The presented work mainly relies on the data and materials of 1834–1980 and, importantly, the materials of the last 50 years of regime studies of the coastal zone of the Cape, as well as reports from various organisations and published articles. The work includes the natural conditions of the formation of the cape, its development under the influence of anthropogenic factors, and the assessment of its actual stability, taking into account the expected risk factors. The work discusses the active influence of the submarine canyon existing along the cape on the stability of the coastal zone. Its underwater slope (slopes of 300 and more) directly follows the entire shape of the cape. Consequently, large volumes of beach-forming material are permanently lost at great depths. This process is well studied and presented in the paper. The work also considers the stability of the aquatic area of a small floating craft shelter (referred to as the "Yacht Club") arranged in the Cape area. Recently, a growing sediment accumulation zone has been formed along the coastal section of its enclosing structures (moles). Its parameters and morphological markers indicate the formation of a destabilisation process of the accumulative form, with a correspondingly negative result. The issues listed in the paper are discussed based on the factual results of many years of research, with the inclusion of relevant graphic and photo materials.