Sedimentation dynamics in the littoral zone of Lake Peipsi

• DOI: 10.5200/baltica.2013.26.10
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01T08:40:11Z
• Authors: Jaanus Terasmaa; Anto Raukas; Tiit Vaasma; Elvi Tavast
• Keywords: Granulometry; Sedimentation; Plage

Bottom sediments of Lake Peipsi proper were mapped in the 1970s’ from research vessel but for technical reasons near shore areas not investigated. The present work is first attempt to fill this gap. Based on surface sediment mapping whole lake basin, we identified 11 key littoral zone and provided a detailed survey sediments. By grain-size, samples can be separated into three groups: coarse-grained (predominantly sands southern part lake), fine-grained (mainly silts) clayey sands, both central deeper within 8 m depth contour. Because complicated system currents, granulometry deposits shows distinct spatial distribution. Long-term observations have shown that water level changes cyclically, i.e. years with low alternate high level. This phenomenon causes fast erosion some exuberant growth reed bulrush accumulation fine material coastal other years. Water-level fluctuations affect characteristics aquatic vegetation assemblages influence land use, fishery recreation.