One of the highlights of the symposium was the visit to the Tihu coastal spit system, a site that offers a remarkable record of palaeostorminess dating back 6.5 ka. The Tihu sandplain, with its fan-shaped ridge-swale formations, provided participants with a vivid illustration of the dynamic interplay between isostatic uplift and sedimentary processes over millennia. The ridges, which vary in height and spacing, reflect periods of enhanced storminess and gradual coastal progradation, all tied to the long-term geological uplift that has shaped this coastal landscape. The insights gained here, particularly in understanding the cyclic patterns of storminess during the Mid- to Late Holocene, resonated with the broader discussions on climate variability throughout the symposium.
Another significant stop was the Kõpu Peninsula, home to Estonia’s oldest lighthouse and a key site for studying early settlement patterns. As the first landmass to emerge from the sea on Hiiumaa Island, the Kõpu Peninsula serves as a natural chronicle of the region's post-glacial history. The peninsula's unique geological formations, which date back to the regression periods of the Ancylus Lake and Litorina Sea, offered participants a tangible connection to the landscape that first attracted Stone Age hunter-gatherers. The visit to the iconic Kõpu lighthouse, a structure that has stood since 1531 and continues to guide mariners to this day, further enriched the historical context of the field trip.
At Ristna spit, located at the tip of the Kõpu Peninsula, the focus shifted to the glacial history of the region. Participants were introduced to the offshore glacial landforms that tell the story of the Baltic Ice Stream's influence on the area. The radial glacial bedforms mapped here provided a stark reminder of the powerful forces that once shaped the seafloor and continue to influence the region’s geological evolution.
The journey culminated with a visit to the Kärdla impact structure, an Ordovician-age meteorite crater that remains one of the best-preserved examples of its kind. The field excursion to this site offered a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of meteorite impacts and their role in shaping the Earth's geological record. The discussions at this site, enriched by the preserved impact-related sediments, underscored the complex interplay between extraterrestrial events and terrestrial geology.
Throughout the symposium, the superb weather conditions allowed for uninterrupted exploration and in-depth discussions at each site. Participants, ranging from seasoned researchers to emerging scholars, expressed immense satisfaction with the organization and the opportunities provided to deepen their understanding of Western Estonia's unique geological and historical landscapes. As the symposium drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of achievement, with many participants already looking forward to the next INQUA gathering.
👉 Go to the event's official website to download the abstract volume and field guide: https://inqua-peribaltic.ut.ee/
