Sea Level Oscillations and Methodological Implications in Coastal Dynamics Assessments

Abstract

This paper aims at establishing the relationship between sea level and changes occurring in the coastal zone as a follow-up of the evolution of this parameter. For the Romanian Black Sea coast, with a specific geomorphological and bathymetric configuration, the influence of sea level manifests differently from one sector to another. As such, these two aspects must be considered when performing coastal dynamics assessments. On the other hand, although sea level is influenced by the Danube input, it was found that, despite the Danube flow is decreasing, sea level continues to rise. Analyzing the evolution of sea water temperature and air temperature, we found that both parameters show positive growth trends, likely being the cause of the sea level rise and of the flooding of the coastal zone, thus favoring beach erosion.