Blekingstrinn

Blekingstrinn is a geological term used for a system of coastal terraces along the Blekinge coast in southern Sweden. The word strinn denotes steps or ledges, and Blekinge refers to the region where these formations are most evident. The Blekingstrinn comprises a sequence of raised shorelines and bedrock or sedimentary ledges that appear as horizontal or gently inclined steps along the coastline.

Formation and interpretation: The terraces were created during the post-glacial rebound following the last Ice Age. As the land rose faster than sea level fell, the shoreline migrated upward, leaving a series of former coastlines at different elevations. Each terrace marks a past sea level and a distinct stage in the region’s shoreline history, making the Blekingstrinn useful for reconstructing vertical movements of the crust and changes in sea level during the Holocene.

Geology and materials: The terraces feature a mix of glacial and post-glacial sediments, such as tills, sands, and gravels, together with exposed bedrock in places. They are commonly visible in coastal bluffs, quarries, and outcrops, where the step-like surfaces can be observed above or near today’s shore.

Distribution and significance: Blekingstrinn is most pronounced along parts of the Blekinge coast, including exposed sections and island margins. The features are studied by geomorphologists and geologists to understand regional isostatic rebound, shoreline dynamics, and paleoenvironmental conditions. They also provide accessible locations for field observation and education about coastal geology.

See also: Glacial rebound, Coastal geology of Sweden, Raised beaches.