Russian Gulf of Finland

Introduction

The Gulf of Finland occupies a large tectonic depression between the crystalline shield of Fennoscandia and the East European platform. It is now relatively stable, with recent neotectonic movements of less than ±1 mm/year. The crystalline basement outcrops only in the north-western and south-west part of the gulf. In the north-west it forms the numerous small islands and peninsulas of Vyborg Gulf. The southern coastline has cliffs (klint or glint) up to 30 m high, cut in carbonaceous rock. Much of the coast of the Gulf of Finland has a cover of Quaternary deposits including glacial till and fluvial, marine and aeolian sands of varying thickness. The retreat of the sea following the Litorina phase has resulted in terraced slopes with abrasion benches. According to Markov (1934) these are not necessarily evidence of ­stillstands, and could have formed during a steady emergence.

The Gulf of Finland is exposed to the prevailing westerly winds and storms, which produce waves...