THE FORMATION OF BEACHROCK ON THE NORTH CYPRUS COAST

The formation of beachrock on the North Cyprus Coast

T. Ahmet Ertek , A. Evren Erginal, Mustafa Bozcu, Gülen Türker

Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Geography, 34459, Laleli, Istanbul, TURKEY
Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Department of Geography, Terzioğlu Campus, 17020, Canakkale, TURKEY
Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Geological Engineering, Terzioğlu Campus, 17020, Çanakkale, TURKEY
Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Department of Chemistry, Terzioğlu Campus, 17020, Canakkale, TURKEY

Abstract

Beachrocks were determined along the northern coasts of Cyprus Island. Their petrographic composition and nature of cementation were studied based mainly on detailed field descriptions, thin section interpretations and ICP-AES analyses. The present findings show that beachrocks take place preferentially on beaches backed by coastal sand dunes and marine terraces, but exceptionally on tectonically uplifted wave-cut platforms. Beachrocks show an enrichment of sand and gravel derived from Troodos massive and Girne range. Commonly, cementation has been likely occurred in the salt water-fresh water mixing zone.

Keywords: Beachrock; intertidal cementation; coastal geomorphology; Cyprus Island; Mediterranean Sea