Tidal notches in Vinodol Channel and Bakar Bay, NE Adriatic Sea: Indicators of recent tectonics

Detailed mapping of coastline in Vinodol Channel and adjacent bays in the Kvarner area (Northern Adriatic Sea) revealed the existence of well expressed submerged notches ranging in their elevation from 45 to 115 cm below mean sea level. Noticeable difference in the height of these presumably coeval tidal notches is attributed to neotectonic movements since the Roman times. The difference of ∼ 0.1 m on opposite parts of Vinodol Channel is in accordance with the presumed thrusting tectonics in the adjacent Vinodol Valley. The deeper position of coeval tidal notches in Bakar Bay (the drowned part of Vinodol Valley) indicates it is the tectonically most active zone. Investigation of tidal notches in this case complements information from the solid rock geology and measurements of recent tectonic movements revealed by GPS positioning. Moreover, it indicates the potential of detailed mapping of tidal notches for neotectonic research in some coastal areas.