Long-Term Variations of Danube Delta Coastline

Abstract

Ground (expedition) and remote (space-based) methods have been used to carry out detail studies of variations of Danube delta coastline (DC). The displacements of the DC (the progradation or retreat) have been shown to be an effective indicator of the process of delta formation as a whole: the dynamics of the channel network and the redistribution of water and sediment flow between branches, as well as the effect on the delta of external factors (river water and sediment runoff, wind, sea waves, and sea level rise and drop). The contributions of different factors to sand sediment balance have been assessed in seven genetically homogeneous areas to find the causes and features of variations of Danube DC. The areas of DC progradation and retreat have been identified. The comparison of the results of studying the dynamics of Danube DC with the data on changes in the structure and regime of other large deltas can be used to reveal the causes and trends in the modern processes in river deltas.