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Title of the dataset:
Geomorphology of the Järve coast (Saaremaa Island, Estonia)

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Authors:
Katre Luik, Hannes Tõnisson, Reimo Rivis, Kadri Vilumaa, Tiit Vaasma, Egert Vandel, Toru Tamura, Ülo Suursaar

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Institutions:
Institute of Ecology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
Estonian Marine Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tallinn, Estonia
Geological Survey of Japan, AIST, Tsukuba, Japan 

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Corresponding author: Katre Luik, email: katre.luik@tlu.ee
Institute of Ecology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
Uus Sadama 5, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
Tel.: +372 59129225
E-mail address: katre.luik@tlu.ee

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The purpose of the dataset is to support the following (submitted) manuscript with background data. 
“Development shifts on the emerging Järve coast (Estonia) in Late Holocene” by Luik et al.

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The data contains two parts (two .zip files). 
Jarve_geomorphology.zip
Auxiliary_metocean_data_Jarve.zip

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“Jarve_geomorphology.zip” includes 
Map-Saaremaa-Estonia-DEM.PNG (Broader map of the study area, png-image created from the LiDAR data provided by the Estonian Land Board).
Map-Järve-DEM.PNG (Järve study area map (digital elevation model, DEM), png-image created from the LiDAR data provided by the Estonian Land Board).
Järve-OSL-DEM.PNG (png image (DEM) created from the LiDAR data provided by the Estonian Land Board and supplemented with the luminescence (OSL) dates taken on site in 2015 (see the Excel table)).
OSL-dates.xls (Microsoft Excel Worksheet; data on luminescence samples and analysis results; abbreviations and explanations given in the file). 
Saaremaa Järve OSL 2015.pdf (a pdf file created from the field journal, 2015, including photographs of the test pits and metadata for the pits and OSL samples)
Report_15084_1919 Poznan_C14.doc (analysis report from Poznan laboratory for the C14 samples taken at Järve, Saaremaa).
OSL 2018 Estonia.pdf (a pdf file created from the field journal, 2018, including photographs of the test pits and metadata for the pits and OSL samples).
Järve-LiDAR-profiles.xls (Microsoft Excel Worksheet; data on virtual profiles drawn across the Järve barrier, input LiDAR data provided by the Estonian Land Board; abbreviations and explanations given in the file).

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“Auxiliary_metocean_data_Jarve.zip” includes:
RSL-tide-gauges.xls (annual data on average and maximum sea levels (in BK77 system, by the Estonian Weather Service) from tide gauges at Pärnu, Ristna and Narva-Jõesuu; abbreviations, explanations and additional references given in the file).
Ice-reconstruction.xls (annual data on Baltic Sea maximum ice extents (source references provided in the file); linear regression-based reconstruction of Järve ice conditions; abbreviations, explanations and additional references given in the file).
Sõrve wind climate.xls (hourly wind data provided by the Estonian Weather Service (source reference provided) at Sõrve station, Saaremaa. Calculated annual summary statistics for various wind components; abbreviations, explanations and additional references given in the file).
Storm surges.xls (list of influential storm and storm surges at Pärnu and Narva Jõesuu stations; abbreviations, explanations and additional references given in the file).

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This dataset supports an analysis of development shifts on the emerging Järve coast (Estonia) in Late Holocene (the Holocene epoch: past 11,700 years, 11.7 ka). Thes study area includes a sequence of accretional paleospits and beach ridges, which developed over the past 4 ka mostly through coastal progradation and land emergence driven by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, LiDAR elevation data, historical cartography, and recent instrumental metocean forcing data, the historical developments in relative sea level (RSL) and major shifts in the region’s geomorphology from the Mid- to Late-Holocene can be analyzed. The dataset includes two zip files, one for geomorphology of the Järve coast and the second includes auxiliary metocean (forcing) data.
Field work for obtaining the data was carried out from field campaigns conducted by the Institute of Ecology, Tallinn University, in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2024. 

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Elevation data and cartographic analysis. 
The Estonian Land Board (ELB) has carried out repeated LiDAR surveys of the entire Estonian territory since 2008 using the Riegl VQ-1560i aero-laser scanner. The data is publicly available, with an average resolution of 2.1 points per m2, varying based on aircraft flight altitude and survey season. The georeferenced vertical accuracy, determined from ELB ground control points, is approximately ±7 cm (ELB, 2024b). Altitude points are given in the L-EST97 system, calculated in the height system EH2000 (BSCD2000) using the Estonian geoid model EST-GEOID2017. Starting in 2018, Estonia switched to the common European Vertical Reference System (EVRS), whose reference point is the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum (NAP). Previously, the Baltic height system BK77 (relative to the Kronstadt zero) was used. Compared to the BK77, the NAP zero is 0.21 m lower at Järve. Based on LiDAR data, digital terrain models (DTMs) with the resolution of 1 x 1 m and LiDAR profiles were constructed, and GIS-based geomorphic analysis was performed. Either cross-shore or cross-spit virtual profiles were drawn for relief and geomorphological analysis. The paleo-geographic reconstructions of coastlines in the southwestern Saaremaa for the time slices at 7, 3.5 and 1.5 ka (following the spatial uplifts according to the NKG2016LU model: Vestøl et al., 2019) were based on the GIS approach by subtracting the paleo-sea-level surfaces from the DTMs (e.g., Rosentau et al., 2011; Muru et al., 2018; Suursaar et al., 2022).

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Field work, sedimentological analysis and chronology. 
Regular coastal surveys have been carried out at Järve coast by the Tallinn University (TLU) since the 1990s. Shorelines and cross-shore profiles have been registered with GPS; repeated pre- and post-storm photographs were taken. The surveys have been occasional (a few times per decade) in the 1980s-1990s, but near-annual since 2000, when also GPR surveys and OSL dates were added. To complete the database on Järve’s stratigraphy derived from earlier quaternary geological maps and reports (by Geological Survey of Estonia; now also available in: ELB, 2024d), field surveys were conducted in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2024. In 2015, twelve test pits were dug along the transect (A-B-C) to assess lithofacies distribution and to collect samples for OSL dates. In this study, we introduce fourteen luminescence and two radiocarbon dates of coastal landform formation ages. The pits were mostly located on tops of ridges and were spaced between about 100 and 800 m on the landscape. The precise positions of the pits were determined using a GPS Garmin Oregon 550 and guided with high-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) GSSI SIR-3000 (with a 270MHz antenna), which helped to assess subsurface sedimentary structures and stratigraphic boundaries. The electromagnetic georadar signal is expected to reflect variations in dielectric properties in sediment, including those between beach and dune facies. The GPR antennas included 70, 100, 270, and 300 MHz transceivers, with ranges up to 400 ns and trace spacing of 0.05 m (for details see: Muru et al., 2018). Collected in 2015, the OSL sample depths ranged from about 1 to 1.5 meters. In 2018, at the same locations as L1 and L2, two additional samples (L1b and L2b) were collected from the dune at smaller depths than in 2015 to estimate the age of the onset of dune formation. The samples were procured from undisturbed sandy sediments using opaque, 30 cm long PVC tubes (5 cm in diameter) which were inserted horizontally into the pit outcrop. After extraction, the ends of the tubes were sealed with duct tape and kept in dark until analysis. Outcrops were photographed and described. 
Subsequent analysis of the sand samples took place at the luminescence laboratory of the Geological Survey of Japan. An automated Risø TL/OSL reader (model TLDA-20) was used for the analysis. The grain-size distribution of the primary stratigraphic units and dated sediments was examined using a Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments Ltd. Quartz and K-feldspar grains, ranging in diameter from 180 to 250 μm, were extracted from the original beach-ridge and dune sands. The quartz grains displayed unsuitable luminescence characteristics for dating which is common for Estonian quartz (Preusser et al., 2014). For equivalent dose (De) determination, modified single-aliquot regenerative dose protocols were applied to K-feldspar grains through IRSL and post-IR IRSL measurements at 50°C and 150°C, respectively (Reimann and Tsukamoto, 2012). Fading tests were conducted on samples following Auclair et al. (2003). Environmental dose rates were calculated based on the contributions of natural radioisotopes such as K, U, Th, and Rb, as well as cosmic radiation (Table 2) (Durcan et al., 2015). Fading corrections were applied to uncorrected ages following the rates by Huntley and Lamothe (2001). In addition, two organic samples (charcoal fragments) were collected in 2015 (R1, R2), which were subsequently dated with radiocarbon 14C at Poznan Radiocarbon Laboratory, Poland, in September 2019 and calibrated using the Reimer et al. (2020) curve.

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Relative sea-level variations and metocean forcing.
In general terms the paleo sea-level history of the study area throughout the Holocene is relatively well known via previous RSL reconstructions from ~70 km radius (Raukas, 2000; Saarse et al., 2009; Vassiljev et al., 2015; Muru et al., 2018; Rosentau et al., 2020; Suursaar et al., 2022; Nirgi et al., 2022). This study both verifies and refines the results of the most recent uplift models by presenting the new OSL dates taken exactly at the study area. These models include the NKG2016LU_lev geocentric uplift model for the Fennoscandia (Vestøl et al., 2019) and its realizations and modifications for Estonia, such as the EST2020VEL (Kall et al., 2021). Centered to the Järve Beach, the new RSL curve is proposed, which combines the previous paleo RSL data (mostly in the early and mid-Holocene) with new dates (in Late Holocene) and tide-gauge based RSL data from instrumental era (from 1899 onward).
Among the instrumental sea-level time series in Estonia, the longest one is at Tallinn (started from 1842 but discontinued due to Tallinn port construction in 1995) (Jaagus and Suursaar, 2013). In this study, provided by the Estonian Weather Service (EWS), we use the next longest, mareograph-based series at Narva-Jõesuu (data from 1899–2023) and Pärnu (1924–2023). Both monthly/yearly mean values and hourly sea levels during some extreme storm-events were studied in the BK77 system, as its zero is close to the mean sea level in Estonia. 
Although routine measurements on some meteorological variables were already started in 1865 in Vilsandi and in 1866 in Sõrve (both in Saaremaa), the digitized and more readily usable data (in terms of data quality and changes in instrumentation and routines) are available (from the EWS) since 1966. However, even after that, some data inhomogeneity issues occur, especially regarding wind measurements (Keevallik et al., 2007; Suursaar, 2023). In this study we re-use and update some data and results from our previous studies on wind climate and storminess (Suursaar and Jaagus, 2013; Suursaar et al., 2015; Tõnisson et al., 2024), and hydrodynamics (Suursaar et al., 2012; Najafzadeh et al., 2024). 
For assessing historical variations of sea ice conditions in the study area, a combination of several data sources was used. Rather frequent and detailed ice charts for the entire Baltic Sea exist by the SMHI since 1980 (SMHI, 2024). From these charts, it was possible to take readings for the Järve area and build time series for annual numbers of ice days (1980–2023). Using correlations with Kihnu visual observations, such an approach was tested for Sõrve/Mõntu location by Suursaar (2023). Moreover, based on regression with maximum ice extents in the Baltic Sea, which are available since 1719/1720 (Seinä and Palusuo, 1996; EEA, 2024), the annual ice cover durations (in 1720–2023) were reconstructed for the Järve coast in this study. 


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Apart from maps and other self-explanatory content, input data source references are provided in the files; abbreviations, explanations and additional references are given in the individual files.

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References:
https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/teenused/teenuste-tellimine/mida-pakume/?lang=en
https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/meri/vaatlusandmed/kogu-rannik/kaart/?lang=en

EEA, 2024. European Environment Agency. Maps and graphs. https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/maximum-extent-of-ice-cover-3 (Accessed: June 1, 2024)
EGT, 2024. Estonian Geological Survey. Geological Archive. https://www.egt.ee/en/organisation-news-and-contacts/services/geological-archive. (accessed 24 April 2024).
ELB, 2024a. Estonian Land Board. Geological data. https://geoportaal.maaamet.ee/eng/spatial-data/geological-data-p317.html (accessed 24 April 2024).
ELB, 2024b. Estonian Land Board. Elevation data. http://geoportaal.maaamet.ee/eng/Maps-and-Data/Topographicdata/Elevation-data-p308.html (accessed 24 April 2024).
ELB, 2024c. Estonian Land Board. Soil Map. https://xgis.maaamet.ee/xgis2/page/app/mullakaart (accessed 24 April 2024).
ELB, 2024d. Estonian Land Board. Maps. https://xgis.maaamet.ee/xgis2/page/app/ajalooline (accessed 24 April 2024).
EWS, 2024. Estonian Weather Service. Historical weather data. https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/kliima/ajaloolised-ilmaandmed (accessed 24 April 2024).
EEA, 2024. European Environment Agency. Maps and graphs. https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/maximum-extent-of-ice-cover-3 (Accessed: June 1, 2024)
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/maps-and-charts/maximum-extent-of-ice-cover-3-figures/data-package.zip

Jaagus, J., 2006. Trends in sea ice conditions on the Baltic Sea near the Estonian coast during the period 1949/50-2003/04 and their relationships to large-scale atmospheric circulation. Boreal Environ. Res. 11, 169-183. https://www.borenv.net/BER/archive/pdfs/ber11/ber11-169.pdf
Jaagus, J., Suursaar, Ü., 2013. Long-term storminess and sea level variations on the Estonian coast of the Baltic Sea in relation to large-scale atmospheric circulation. Est. J. Earth Sci. 62, 73-92. https://doi.org/10.3176/earth.2013.07.
Kont, A.; Tõnisson, H.; Jaagus, J.; Suursaar, Ü.; Rivis, R. (2022). Eesti randade areng viimastel aastakümnetel kliima ja rannikumere hüdrodünaamiliste muutuste tagajärjel. Terasmaa, J.; Truus, L.; Kont, A. (Toim.). 30 aastat keskkonnaökoloogiat. Ökoloogia keskus 1992-2022. (9-58). Tallinna Ülikool. (Tallinna Ülikooli ökoloogia instituudi/keskuse publikatsioonid; 13).
(Evolution of the Estonian seashores in relation to climate and hydrodynamic changes over the last decades)
Muru, M., Rosentau, A., Preusser, F., Plado, J., Sibul, I., Jõeleht, A., Bjursäter, S., Aunap, R., Kriiska, A., 2018. Reconstructing Holocene shore displacement and Stone Age palaeogeography from a foredune sequence on Ruhnu Island, Gulf of Riga, Baltic Sea. Geomorphology 303, 434−445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.12.016.
Orviku, K.; Jaagus, J.; Kont, A.; Ratas, U.; Rivis, R. (2003). Increasing activity of coastal processes associated with climate change in Estonia. Journal of Coastal Research, 19 (2), 364-375.
Preusser, F., Muru, M., Rosentau, A., 2014. Comparing different post-IR IRSL approaches for the dating of Holocene coastal foredunes from Ruhnu Island, Estonia. Geochronometria, 41, 342–351. https://doi.org/10.2478/s13386-013-0169-7
Reimer, P.J., Austin, W.E.N., Bard, E., et al., 2020. The IntCal20 Northern Hemisphere Radiocarbon Age Calibration Curve (0–55 cal kBP). Radiocarbon 62, 725–757. https://doi.org/10.1017/RDC.2020.41
Reimann, T., Tsukamoto, S., 2012. Dating the recent past (<500 years) by post-IR IRSL feldspar – Examples from the North Sea and Baltic Sea coast. Quat. Geochronol. 10, 180–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2012.04.011.
Seinä, A., Palosuo, E., 1993. The classification of the maximum annual extent of ice cover in the Baltic Sea 1720-1992. Meri ? Report series of the Finnish Institute of Marine Research 20, 5-20.
Seinä A, Grönvall H, Kalliosaari S, Vainio J (2001) Ice seasons 1996-2000 in Finnish sea areas. MERI-Report Series of the Finnish Inst of Marine Res 43:132.
https://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/icestatistics
Suursaar, Ü., Jaagus, J., Tõnisson, H., 2015. How to quantify long-term changes in coastal sea storminess? Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 156, 31?41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2014.08.001
Suursaar, Ü., Kall, T., 2018. Decomposition of Relative Sea Level Variations at Tide Gauges using results from four Estonian Precise Levelings and Uplift Models. IEEE JSTARS 11, 1966-1974. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTARS.2018.2805833
Suursaar, Ü.; Sepp, M.; Post, P.; Mäll, M. (2018). An Inventory of Historic Storms and Cyclone Tracks That Have Caused Met-Ocean and Coastal Risks in the Eastern Baltic Sea. Journal of Coastal Research, 531-535. DOI: 10.2112/SI85-107.1
Suursaar, Ü., 2023. Variations in wind velocity components and average air flow properties at Estonian coastal stations in 1966-2021; Sõrve Peninsula case study. Est. J. Earth Sci. 72, 197-210. https://doi.org/10.3176/earth.2023.85
Suursaar, Ü., Torn, K., Mäemets, H., Rosentau, A., 2024. Overview and evolutionary path of Estonian coastal lagoons. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 303, 108811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2024.108811
Tamura, T., 2012. Beach ridges and prograded beach deposits as palaeoenvironment records. Earth‐Sci. Rev. 114, 279–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2012.06.004
Tarand, A., Jaagus, J., Kallis, A. 2013. Eesti kliima minevikus ja tänapäeval [Estonian Climate; Past and Present]. University of Tartu Publishers, Tartu, 631 pp. (in Estonian).
Tõnisson, H., Kont, A., Suursaar, Ü., Jaagus, J., Rivis, R., Buynevich, I. 2024. Morphosedimentary evolution of Estonian coastline: role of climatic and hydrodynamic forcing over the past decades. Boreal Environ. Res. 29, 103?125. https://www.borenv.net/BER/archive/pdfs/ber29/ber29-103-125.pdf

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