Intensity of geodynamic processes in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit

Aeolian processes on the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit exhibit significant variability, with wind-blown sand movements initiating when surface moisture drops by 2% and subsurface moisture by up to 5%. Over 12 years (2004–2016), these processes dramatically reshaped deflation relief forms, reducing scarp dimensions by up to 35%, pothole lengths by 80%, and hollow widths by 39%. Micro-terraces on eastern dune slopes, particularly the Parnidis Dune, showed rapid changes (up to 0.64 cm in height) linked to precipitation fluctuations, with a 21% shift in terrace ledges observed during a period of increased rainfall (July–August 2016). The study combined climatic analysis, geodetic measurements, and aerial photograph comparisons to quantify these transformations.

Česnulevičius, A., Morkūnaitė, R., Bautrėnas, A., Bevainis, L., & Ovodas, D. (2017). Intensity of geodynamic processes in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit. Earth System Dynamics, 8(2), 419–428. https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-8-419-2017