Kalkküsten

Kalkküsten are coastlines dominated by chalk cliffs and other chalky rock formations. Chalk, a soft white limestone rich in microfossils, gives these coasts a pale, often continuous cliff face. The term is used especially for coastlines where Cretaceous chalk beds are exposed and shaped by marine erosion.

Geology and formation: Chalk forms from calcareous remains of zooplankton and algae deposited in warm, shallow seas during the Cretaceous period. Tectonic uplift and subsequent erosion expose these beds along coastlines. Wave action at the base of the cliffs undercuts the rock, causing rockfalls and landslides that continually retreat the coastline. The cliffs commonly feature vertical faces, with flint nodules embedded within the chalk and occasional sea caves, arches, and stacks. At low tide, wave-cut platforms may appear.

Distribution and examples: Kalkküsten are found in several parts of Europe with exposed chalk beds. Notable examples include the White Cliffs of Dover in England and the chalk faces along the Isle of Wight, as well as chalk exposures on the Baltic coast of Germany. In Germany, the chalk cliffs are prominent on the island of Rügen (including the Jasmund area) and along parts of the Darß-Zingst peninsula in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Ecology, use, and protection: The cliff tops often host distinctive chalk grassland and specialized flora and fauna, while seabird colonies may nest on ledges. Erosion poses natural hazards to paths and settlements, prompting protective measures in many areas. Chalk is a historically important resource for lime production. Many Kalkküsten are protected as nature reserves or national parks to preserve geological features and associated ecosystems.