Grain size variability as an indicator of sediment transport alongshore the Curonian Spit (south-eastern Baltic Sea)

A study of sediment samples collected along the Curonian Spit (south-eastern Baltic Sea) from 2011 to 2015 reveals that grain size variability is not an effective indicator of longshore sediment transport in this transit coastal system. While the southern (Russian) and northern (Lithuanian) parts of the spit exhibit distinct medium-sized and fine sand compositions, respectively, the 'McLaren' method failed to align with wave action simulations or storm conditions preceding sampling, undermining its utility for predicting sediment movement directions. However, the study confirmed that cross-shore sediment transport occurs during calm weather, with deposits from the trough moving toward the shoreline. This research highlights the limitations of grain size analysis in dynamic coastal environments like the Curonian Spit, where sediment sources and sinks are transient.

Kovaleva, O., Chubarenko, B., & Pupienis, D. (2016). Grain size variability as an indicator of sediment transport alongshore the Curonian Spit (south-eastern Baltic Sea). Baltica, 29(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.5200/baltica.2016.29.13