Sea Cliff Erosion in the Eastern Part of the North Aegean Coastline, Northern Greece

Abstract

The coastal zone is an area where many human activities are taking place. Erosion of the coast obstructs, in various ways, these activities creating occasionally serious socioeconomic and environmental problems. In this paper the coastal erosion problems encountered in the eastern Greek part of the North Aegean Sea Coast, a stretch of about 51 km long adjacent to the city of Alexandroupolis, are discussed. Given the observed type and location of erosion and other sea-action phenomena, the coast under study is divided in two parts/stretches. The western stretch, where the city of Alexandroupolis is presently extending, presents, mainly, cliff erosion problems and retreat of the coastline, very serious in some sections; whereas, the eastern stretch (to the east of the city) exhibits deposition and progression seawards due to the abundance of sediments supplied by Evros river delta. A classification of the coastline according to its relief, geologic material, erosion characteristics and rate, slope failure phenomena as well as the wave energy potential, is presented together with suggestions for case-appropriate mitigation and protection measures regarding the coastal erosion problems. The paper is focusing on the cliff erosion phenomena, since varying in height coastal cliffs made of soft rocks, cover the major part of the investigated coastline (western stretch).

ICZM and coastal defence perception by beach users: Lessons from the Mediterranean coastal area

“…The Delta of the River Nestos is situated on the east side of the Kavala Gulf, which is subject to beach erosion. The whole North Aegean coastal zone is affected by southeast, south, southwest and west winds and the corresponding sea waves and currents (Xeidakis et al, 2006). Both the natural environment and human activities have already been affected by erosion on the eastern side of the Kavala Gulf.…”