rohekatused

Rohkekatused is a geological feature in the context of Estonia, referring specifically to the protruding reef-like structures that form at the edges of bays and inlets, particularly in the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea.

The term is derived from the Estonian words "rohke" meaning abundant or rich and "katused" meaning roofs or covers, reflecting the shape and location of these geological formations. In Estonian geography, rohekatused often coincide with the shoreline's distinct shape, creating scenic natural formations that are characteristic to the region.

These structures typically consist of solid and porous parts, formed over thousands of years through the admixing of clays, silts, and carbonates, contributing to their varying thickness. The sudden change in sea depth on these structures often creates an underwater buffer zone that leads to remarkable erosion patterns. This variation in shoreline dynamics not only influences the overall morphology but also profoundly shapes the coastal ecology.

Development and Climate Change pressure have taken a toll on rohekatused throughout the Baltic region. Changes in global sea levels have submerged what were once exposed landmasses at high tide. Weathering, bottom cut-offs and piping could generate gullies and solve erosion intensity issues. In Estonia, the rohekatused landscape consists of a range of variations, and studies have been conducted on their shapes, their structures and their role in the local ecosystem.