Holocene coastal processes of an uplifted fennoscandian coast: a case study from the Turiy Peninsula (the northern coast of the white sea)
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4200
Abstract
This study examines coastal processes and resulting morphologies during the Holocene on the Turiy Peninsula (the southern part of the Kola Peninsula). The genetic classification of the modern coasts revealed both wave- and non-wavedominated types. Similar patterns were also identified on elevated paleocoastlines. Four geomorphological levels of the Turiy Peninsula were distinguished, considering their age and environmental settings based on field observations, interpretation of satellite images, topographic data, drilling cores, radiocarbon dating, and diatom analysis. The Turiy Peninsula provides a unique setting for paleogeomorphological research due to the good preservation of coastal landforms and the diversity of geomorphological settings. This well-preserved coastal morphology is attributed to relatively high Holocene uplift rates, which caused rapid exposure of the coasts beyond the zone of active wave impact. As such, the area represents a sensitive archive of postglacial coastline response to glacioisostatic uplift in formerly glaciated shield environments. Radiocarbon dating and diatom analysis of sediments from isolated basins allowed us to estimate the regional uplift rate over the last 3.5–4 cal kyr at 5–7 mm/year. These rates are significantly higher than the uplift rates observed in adjacent areas for the same period, supporting the interpretation of block-structured tectonic movements in the region.
Keywords
coastal morphodynamics,
sea level changes,
diatoms,
radiocarbon dating,
the Holocene,
Kola Peninsula coast
Supporting agencies: Paleogeomorphological studies of this research were funded by the Institute of Geography RAS (FMWS-2026-0001). Drilling of lacustrine-marsh sediments and diatom analysis were carried out according to the State Programs of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (121040100323-5 and 121051100167-1, respectively). Radiocarbon dating was conducted in the framework of the State Assignment of the Geological Institute RAS (FMMG-2022-0002). The authors express their deepest gratitude to Dmitry V. Korzinin (Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS) and students of the Department of Geomorphology and Paleogeography of the Faculty of Geography MSU for assistance in field research. The authors are grateful to the administration of the Kandalaksha Reserve for the opportunity to conduct research in the protected area.
About the Authors
A. P. Yakovleva
Institute of Geography RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Staromonetniy lane, Moscow, 119017
T. Yu. Repkina
Institute of Geography RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Staromonetniy lane, Moscow, 119017
N. E. Zaretskaya
Institute of Geography RAS; Geological Institute RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Staromonetniy lane, Moscow, 119017;
Pyzhevsky lane, Moscow, 119017
O. S. Shilova
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991
F. A. Romanenko
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991
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For citations:
Yakovleva A.P., Repkina T.Yu., Zaretskaya N.E., Shilova O.S., Romanenko F.A. Holocene coastal processes of an uplifted fennoscandian coast: a case study from the Turiy Peninsula (the northern coast of the white sea). GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2026;19(2):84-95. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4200
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