Articles

Title:	Underwater slope relief of Cape Hel
Authors:	Rudowski Stanisław Rucińska-Zjadacz Maria
Abstract:	A detailed and pioneering survey of the structure of the Cape Hel slope seafloor was conducted using non-invasive, multi-beam sonar and side-scan sonar methods. Bottom points were positioned with an accuracy of ca. 1 m using a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) in connection with the appropriate navigation systems Hydro and Track Point. All data were collected and processed digitally in the CODAsys system. Interpretation of hydroacoustic records showed numerous forms of seafloor relief of various types and sizes associated with underwater slides, flows, and creeps of sand deposits. Sand waves (wavelength of over 10 m), which were probably formed by internal waves, were also observed at the bottom section of the slope. The slope of the cape has a complex and divided structure with a three-segment, concaveconvex profile. It has recently undergone intensive erosion, which threatens the seafloor and shore, particularly on the western side of the cape. No data on the sea-floor topography of Cape Hel has been available to-date, and regional studies failed to point out the risks associated with surface mass movements that occur in these sections of sea-floor and shore. Results reported here constitute the first description of Cape Hel seafloor relief. The data provide a necessary foundation for any discussions about the evolution and state of Cape Hel and the entire Hel Peninsula, as well as for further research on the scope and rate of slope change and for evaluation of the risks posed by erosion.
DOI:
Type of paper:	Original research paper
Pages:	111 to 119
Cytation:	Rucińska-Zjadacz M., Rudowski S., 2009, Underwater slope relief of Cape Hel, Ocean. Hydrob. Studies, 38(Supl. 1): 111-119
Keywords:	sandy barrier, underwater slope, mass movement, Hel Peninsula, Baltic Sea
Year:	2009
Category:
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