The formation of beachrock on the North Cyprus Coast

Abstract

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

• Key words: Beachrock; intertidal cementation; coastal geomorphology; Cyprus Island; Mediterranean Sea.

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