Warning Issued: 50-Meter Crack Threatens Rügen's Cliffs

Rügen, located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is facing significant geological challenges as the sea continues to erode parts of the island. Recent heavy rainfall and storm surges have led to alarming land slips along the steep coastlines. A particularly concerning crack, measuring 50 meters in length, was identified near the Baltic seaside resort of Sellin.

The fracture extends through a cliff edge, creating a land displacement of approximately 1,000 square meters. Authorities have raised concerns that this section of the coastal cliff could eventually collapse. The head of the local authority has indicated that if the situation is not managed, the affected land could give way.

In response to the risk, pathways situated above the 60-meter high cliffs have been relocated further inland, and appropriate barriers have been established to ensure public safety. The area has additional complexities, as a former bunker previously located there presented its own risks of sliding.

According to local officials, the removal of the bunker has resulted in increased exposure of the sandy terrain, leading to greater instability compared to more vegetated coastal zones. Monitoring efforts are being enhanced, with drone technology being utilized to assess the integrity of the cliffs.

Geological experts are studying the situation closely. A prominent coastal geologist has noted that each land slip has unique characteristics. Unlike the chalk cliffs famous on Rügen, the soil composition here differs significantly. The upper layer of the cliff consists of glacial meltwater sands, while the base is made of much denser glacial till, which provides a foundational support for the cliff.

When rainwater percolates through the sandy top layer and encounters the more solid glacial till beneath, it can become trapped, leading to instability in the upper sandy layer. Additionally, storm-driven waves exacerbate the erosion at the cliff's base, undermining the stability of the entire structure.

While the risk of immediate collapse is not present at this moment, the local authority remains vigilant. Changes in weather patterns, particularly warmer temperatures coupled with additional rainfall, could precipitate a landslide. Authorities are closely monitoring environmental conditions to prevent potential disasters.