Abstract

The sea-level fluctuations of the Caspian Sea during historical time and during measurement period are described. On the whole, the variations in the Caspian Sea water level during historical time is estimated at 15 meters, from 20 to 35 m below MSL. The main factor affecting the level-related regime of the Caspian has been climatic changes. The last rise in the Caspian sea level, setting in since 1978, is caused by a significant change of climatic conditions. Water-level fluctuations in the Caspian Sea largely affect the dynamic processes in the coastal zone. The rise in the Caspian Sea level and man's activities on the coast have resulted in a situation when aggradational processes, predominant during regressions, were succeeded by those of marine erosion. Depending on different types of shoreline, changes of the coastal zone proceeded in a variety of ways. The recent rise of the Caspian level has significantly affected the dynamics and general evolutionary patterns of all coastal types identified.

Keywords: The Caspian Sea, sea level changes, climatic conditions, coastal zone, types of shoreline, evolution