Limestone Sea Stacks (Rauks) Record Past Sea Levels and Rocky Coast Evolution in the Baltic Sea (Gotland and Fårö Islands, Sweden)

In this article, we explore the potential for sea-level change and rocky coastal evolution reconstruction hidden in one of most intriguing landforms Baltic Sea region—rauks. Those unique limestone sea stacks are preserved along coasts a number Swedish islands, with Gotland Fårö as primary locations. We contributed to long-standing debate on their origin attempted investigate modern geomorphological processes operating rauks using novel approaches rock coast studies, including Schmidt hammer tests (SHRT)—to characterize zonation degree weathering; traversing micro-erosion meters (TMEM)—to calculate shore platform downwearing rates; terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) monitor abrasion detect markers (notches) describe size shapes. Our study shows dominance mesoscale changes morphology (erosion scars, spalling, block erosion) over microscale carried out by abrasion. argue that preservation islands is result favorable sequence events rapid land uplift lithological resistance, significantly higher than observed surrounding platforms cliffs formed different types limestone. findings prove microrelief form well-preserved notches records from at least late Ancylus Lake period. Finally, incorporate results our observations into classic notions rauk formation highlight effect cutting off operation littoral consequence subaerial weathering wave action.