Calculate the peak discharge to be expected from the proposed catastrophic refilling of the Black Sea through the Bosporus Strait. Assume that the minimum width of the strait is 700 m, and the difference in level between the Mediterranean and Black Sea was 120m (see Figure 17.18).

(i) At this discharge, what is the expected rate of rise of the Black Sea?

(ii) Given a shelf slope of 1m/km, how rapidly would the shoreline advance across the shelf?

(iii) How much would global sea level drop as this water drains into the Black Sea (in other words, is the assumption that sea level is not affected a valid one?)

Figure 17.18

Transcribed Image Text:

Danube Dneipr wide coastal plains before refilling Straits of Bosporus Black Sea