How topography affects the climate along the Bulgarian Black

Sea coast
Nina Chenkova, Dimitar Vladev
Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen,
Faculty of Natural Science,
115 Universitetska Street; 91!, Shumen,
e-mail: slanevanina@abv.bg; dimvladev@abv.bg
Abstract: The paper present the results of a study of the impact of the relief
on the climatic characteristics of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Through the
analysis of the main climatic elements for stations of the study area are found
relationships between the relief and climate specific to different parts of the Black
Sea coast.
Keywords: Bulgarian Black Sea coast, climate, relief, climatic elements
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast, a zone of interaction between the land and the
sea, is characterized b a s!ecific t!e of climate. To a great e"tent, the climate is
affected b to!ogra!h, which transforms solar radiation and atmos!heric circulation.
The !ur!ose of this stud is to !rovide evidence for the im!act of to!ogra!h on
the climate characteristics of the region, through analsis of climate elements statistic
data, recorded b the meteorological stations along the coast.
The source of statistical information is the #limate handbook of the $e!ublic of
Bulgaria. The initial climate information is for %& stations from the national
meteorological network ' (obrudzha institute )%*+ meters above sea level,, Shabla
)&+,, -aliakra )+*,, Balchik )./,, -arvuna )%&.,, Suvorovo )&01,, 2arna )&1,, Staro
3rahovo )&1,, 4oren #hiflik )+/,, 3bzor )+/,, 5ulakovo )%&6,, 7tos )0/,, 8esebar
)%0,, 9omorie )%,, -ameno )%*,, Burgas )%,, Sozo!ol )0,, Sredets )%*,, Tsarevo )&:,,
$ezovo )%/,, ;alko Tarnovo )**0,.
Territory coverage and oundaries of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
There are different o!inions on the boundaries and territor coverage of the
region de!ending on the as!ect ' general natural geogra!hic, geo mor!hological and
climate as!ects.
7s a natural geogra!hic region, the coast includes the eastern lands of the
(anube !lateau, the Balkan ;ountains and Trakia-Strandzha areas <&=.
The delimitation of the region, influenced b the maritime climate, is a sub>ect to
change. (e!ending on the terrain, the area stretches %/-1/ km inland along the
northern coast, u! to ./-+/ km inland along the southern coast )in Burgas !lain,. (.
(imitrov <%= defines four climate sub regions: (obrudzha-2arna, ?ast Balkan
;ountains, Burgas and Strandzha.
@n terms of geomor!holog )mor!hogra!h and mor!hostructure,, -eremed-
chiev <*= defines four areas: coastal region within the (anube !lateau )*6,0 A,, Balkan
;ountains coastal area )&%,&A,, region within the Burgas !lain )&6,6A, and
;ednoridsko and Strandzha coastal region )*%,* A,.
The main climate factors
Topography and surface
To!ogra!h affects climate through altitude, slo!es height and e"!osure, terrain
indentation and location to air currents. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a line with
ranging width )from .-&/ u! t! 1/-./ km, that runs from ca!e Sivriburun in the north,
to the mouth or river $ezovska in the south. @n a bee-line, the distance between these
two !oints is &00 km. @f we follow the coastal line, the distance is *6: km. The almost
double length of the coastal line is due to the dee!l inland recessed bas of 2arna,
Burgas and Balchik. The ratio of indentation of the shoreline is &,00. @n h!sometric
terms, the coast covers areas with height within the range of /-+// m. The eastern !arts
of 9rimorska (obrudzha, Batova firth, 2arna-Beloslav firth and -amchia firth, Burgas
!lain and areas of Strandzha coast are included in the lowload zone )u! to &// m,.
(obrudzha, Branga and 7vren !lateaus, and the surrounding hills of Burgas !lain are
!art of the !lain-!lateau zone )&//-*// m,. The hill zone )*//-+// m, encom!asses
!arts of -amchia, ?minska and 7tos ;ountains, which act as barriers to the air
masses moving from south to north, and in reverse. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast has
mainl cliff to!ogra!h )&0 km; .*A,, beach lines )&%+ km; *1A, and abrasion and
sliding coastlines )1: km; &*A,.
The characteristics of the surface t!e )soil, vegetation, snow cover, affect the
climate diversit within the coastal area, but since the effect mainl occurs on micro
climate level, more detailed research is reCuired to highlight this issue.
Solar radiation
Sunshine duration defines the light level of the territor and it is mainl
determined b the da hours. The astronomical da is the same in all regions in
Bulgaria due to the countrDs small e"tent from north to south <1=. The actual sunshine
duration differs from the astronomical )at cloudless sk and o!en horizon, due to
cloudiness, fog and air !ollution.
Sunshine duration !per hour"in#$ #hart &

Station
% %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% 'ear
Kaliakra
:/"%6 :.E%0 &%1E*1 &6*E1* %*.E.% %0*E+1 **:E6* *&+E6* %1&E+1 &6:E.% 01E*% 6/E%. %%%6E./
Karvuna
:1"%0 06E** &*:E*6 &:.E1+ %.+E.+ %:0E+* **0E6* *&.E6* %*.E+* &:*E.* 0%E*& 6*E%+ %%:+E.&
obr. inst. 6:E%6 :0E*/ &%+E*1 &:%E1. %1&E.* %:*E+% *%1E6/ */:E6& %*&E+& &66E.% 0%E*& +:E%1 %&00E10
!arna
:1"%0 0/E*& &%/E*% &+*E1& %&0E1: %+/E.6 *&6E+: %06E+0 %%%E.0 &+1E1: 0&E*& +6E%1 %/01E16
Suvorovo
:&E%: 0%E*& &**E*+ &:%E1. %*/E.& %+&E.6 *&.E+: */*E6/ %*.E+* &6.E.& 0*E*% 6%E%. %&6%E10
"omorie
:*E%0 0.E*% &*.E*6 &:*E1+ %1*E.1 %:&E+& **.E6% *&0E61 %1+E+. &:1E.1 &//E*1 6&E%. %%6.E.&
Karnobat
61E%+ 0%E*& &1/E*: &0*E1: %1+E.1 %+:E.: *%0E6& *%*E6. %.%E+6 &6.E.& 0.E*% 6%E%+ %%.0E.&
Burgas
.:E%/ 60E%6 &%/E*% &++E1& %*&E.& %61E+/ *%6E6/ *&/E6% %**E+% &.6E1+ 6:E%6 10E&: %/:%E16
#e$ovo
6*E%. :1E%0 &%/E*% &6.E11 %%:E./ %0%E+1 *1*E61 *%*E6. %*/E+& &+/E+1 06E** +6E%1 %&0%E10
9eriod &0.&'&06/
Numer of days without sunshine due to cloudiness, fog and air pollution #hart %
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% 'ear
Kaliakra &
*
&/ 0 + % & / / & 1 0 &* +:
obr. inst. &
.
&/ : . & & / / % 1 &/ &. 6&
!arna &
%
0 0 . % & / / & 1 0 &* +.
Suvorovo &
1
&/ : . * % & & % 1 &/ &. 6+
"omorie &
*
0 6 1 % & / / & 1 0 &% +%
Karnobat &
&
: 6 * & & / / & * : &% ..
Burgas &
.
&& && + % & / / % . &% &+ :&
#e$ovo &
1
&/ &/ 1 % & / / % + 0 &* 6&
9eriod &0.&'&06/
@n order to define the influence of to!ogra!h on sunshine duration, the location
of each station is taken into consideration )altitude, situation ' on a hill or on a flat
surface, o!en horizon level,. The greatest number of sunshine hours is along the South
Black Sea coast )9omorie,, followed b the 8orth Black Sea coast and the eastern !arts
of South (obrudzha )-arvuna,. The tendenc for all stations in terms of inter annual
distribution, is the same ' ma"imum hours of sunshine in Ful and minimum number
of hours in (ecember.
#loudiness influence )including fog and air !ollution, is determinant for
sunshine duration, as to!ogra!h !las secondar role. There is a connection between
the readings, the location of the stations and the closeness of the horizon. Sunshine
duration increases at higher altitude, o!enness of the horizon and less cloudiness
)(obrudzha institute, -arvuna, Suvorovo and other,. Sunshine duration decreases in
stations, located in valles )2arna,, in lowlands, surrounded b heights )Burgas,, in
hollows and covered mountain slo!es. The lowest level of sunshine duration is
recorded in 2arna and Burgas. @t is additionall influenced b the decreased air
trans!arenc, due to higher !ollution in both big cities.
Atmospheric circulation
7tmos!heric circulation over the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is defined b the
transfer of continental and oceanic air masses of the tem!erate regions, tro!ic
continental and oceanic air masses, arctic continental and oceanic air masses and the
direct influence of the Black Sea. The air masses are mainl influenced b to!ogra!h
and surface. The humid air masses transfer is mainl dominated b the @celand cclone
and the 7zor anticclone. The common 7tlantic air masses !enetration determines the
cool and rain weather in summer, and the mild weather and heav raining in winter.
The tem!erate warm air masses move from the ;editerranean or from the back !arts of
the arctic front cclones. The cause warm weather and raining and snowing in winter.
7s the masses are additionall heated in summer, thunderstorms with heav raining are
common in summer. The oceanic air of the tem!erate cold air masses is cold during the
warm half of the ear and moderatel warm during the cold half of the ear. @t
!enetrates from northwest or west. The continental oceanic air masses !enetrate from
northeast ' being warm in summer and cold in winter. @n summer, the oceanic air is
!reheated and less humid which results in heav decrease in !reci!itation along the
coast <%=.
Climate elements
Air temperature
The tem!erature readings )#hart * and diagrams, confirm a well-known !attern
for increase in tem!erature along the coast from north to south )including the average
annual and winter tem!eratures,, also established b other research studies. The
average tem!eratures in Fanuar and Bebruar along the 8orthern coast are negative
)the lowest in Shabla, -aliakra, Balchik from - /,+ to -/,:
G
H,, as the readings are lower
with greater distance from the shore and increase in altitude. 7long the ?ast Balkan
;ountains coast, the higher altitude mountain hills cause colder and snowier winter.
To the south, the !rotective influence of the hills against the !enetrating from north and
northeast cold continental air currents leads to higher winter tem!eratures )with &-%
G
H,
and less snow!ack. The average tem!eratures in Fanuar and Bebruar in 5ulakovo
are the same as the ones, measured in Shabla and Balchik )Fanuar -/,+
G
H; Bebruar
-%,/
G
H,, in other words lower in com!arison to the other stations along he Southern
coastline. This is likel caused b the location of the station in the valle )gorge, of the
-amchia $iver, between 2arbishka, -amchiska and ?minska mountains. #old
northeastern winds blow through this valle corridor in winter.


The differences in tem!erature between the stations, sub>ect to research,
de!end on the sha!e of the to!ogra!hic surface. The concave areas determine lower air
tem!eratures )due to a flow of cold air towards these regions ' for e"am!le, 2arna,
4oren #hiflik, 5ulakovo, 7tos,, and the conve" surface areas determine higher
tem!eratures. 7t higher altitude, the duration of stead lasting tem!erature levels above
/
G
H, .
G
H, &/
G
H and &.
G
H decreases.
The average monthly and annual minimum"ma(imum temperature #hart *
9eriod &0*&'&06/
The higher average ma"imum tem!eratures are recorded south of Balkan
;ountains, in stations, situated more remotel from sea, where breeze circulation
mitigates high tem!eratures. The ma"imum tem!erature is influenced to a less e"tent
b the to!ogra!h than the average diurnal tem!erature. The ma"imum tem!erature in
Burgas lowland and along Strandzha coast rarel goes above *%-**
G
H as this tendenc
is stronger for areas >utting out in the sea and areas with higher altitude.
The diurnal variation is greater in concave rather than conve" areas, in
com!arison to the flat surface <.=.
Air humidity
@t is determined b atmos!heric circulation and the nature geogra!hic
characteristics ' altitude, to!ogra!h, soil and vegetation, and the sources of intensive
eva!oration )the 7tlantic 3cean and the ;editerranean,. The Black sea influences onl
the narrow coastline due to !redominant transfer from west to east. The highest
humidit is recorded in the stations, situated most closel to the sea. The ?ast Balkan
;ountains has restraining influence and the stations along the northern coastline record
lower humidit readings com!ared to the stations along the southern shoreline. 3n the
other hand, the continental air masses, moving from northeast, are less humid.
The average monthly and annual relative humidity !#$ #hart 1
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% 'ear
obr. inst.
Shabla
Kaliakra
Balchik
Suvorovo
!arna
%. &hiflik
'b$or
(esebar
"omorie
Burgas
So$opol
Tsarevo
#e$ovo
).*arnovo
+itos
,uliakovo
::
::
:.
:6
:1
:%
:1
:%
:1
6:
:&
:*
:1
:&
:*
60
66
:+
:6
:1
:1
:*
:/
:*
:/
:*
:%
6:
:/
:&
6:
60
66
6+
:&
:.
:1
:&
6:
6:
60
60
:/
60
66
6:
:/
:/
6:
6%
6/
66
60
:*
60
6&
6:
6+
6:
60
6:
66
66
6:
6:
6/
+0
++
6
:
:
/
:
1
6
0
6
*
6
:
6
:
6
0
:
/
6
:
6
6
6
:
6
0
:
/
6
&
+
0
+
:
6.
60
60
6.
6%
61
66
6+
66
61
6+
61
6*
61
+:
+6
+6
+0
6*
61
6/
+6
6/
6*
6%
6*
+0
6%
6/
6&
6%
+.
+&
+1
6/
6:
6*
6&
+6
6/
61
6/
6*
+0
6%
6&
6/
6%
+6
+&
+*
61
:/
6.
61
6&
6*
6+
6.
6.
6&
6.
6*
6*
6*
6%
+6
+:
6
0
:
*
6
0
6
:
6
:
6
+
6
0
6
0
6
0
6
.
6
:
6
.
6
6
6
:
6
0
6
*
6
*
:+
:6
:1
:*
:.
:/
:1
:*
:&
:/
:/
60
:%
:%
:1
6:
6:
:6
0/
:.
:.
:.
:%
:+
:*
:.
:*
:%
:%
:*
:%
:+
:/
6:
60
:%
:*
60
6+
66
60
6:
60
6+
66
66
6:
66
6.
6&
6/
9eriod &0*&'&06/
(uring the warmer half the ear )7!ril-3ctober,, the relative air humidit
increases with higher altitude )mainl during the da,, and during the cold half the ear
is recorded the reverse !henomenon. 7s altitude rises and tem!erature falls, the relative
humidit dro!s on average with &,. u! to %-%,.A on &// m.
&loudiness
7ltitude influences the Cuantit of clouds and the cloudiness !attern. @n stations,
situated at higher altitude ' (obrudzha institute )%*+ m,, Suvorovo )&01 m,,
5ulakovo )%&6 m,, ;alko Tarnovo )**0 m,, increased cloudiness is recorded in
summer com!ared to the other stations, when convective clouds dominate.
)verage monthly and annual cloudiness #hart .
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% 'ear
obr. inst.
Shabla
Kaliakra
Balchik
Suvorovo
!arna
%. &hiflik
(esebar
"omorie
Burgas
So$opol
Tsarevo
#e$ovo
).*arnovo
+itos
*uliakovo
+,6
+,0
6,%
6,/
6,%
+,0
+,.
6,&
6,/
6,/
+,0
6,/
6,.
6,*
+,+
6,&
+,0
6,/
6,*
+,:
6,/
6,/
+,.
+,:
+,6
+,:
+,+
+,+
6,&
6,&
+,1
+,:
+,+
+,6
6,%
+,:
+,+
+,0
+,/
+,+
+,.
+,+
+,*
+,1
6,&
+,+
+,%
+,6
.,0
.,1
+,*
.,:
.,:
+,*
.,1
.,:
.,6
+,1
.,1
.,1
.,0
.,:
.,%
.,0
.,1
1,6
.,:
.,*
.,.
.,0
1,:
.,%
.,&
.,.
1,:
1,:
.,%
.,1
1,+
.,+
1,+
*,1
1,1
1,%
1,:
1,6
*,6
1,/
1,/
1,%
*,.
*,+
*,0
1,/
1,6
1,0
*,*
%,.
*,/
%,:
*,0
*,/
%,.
%,:
%,6
%,:
%,%
%,%
%,+
%,6
%,+
*,*
*,/
%,&
%,:
%,+
*,1
%,:
%,%
%,+
%,.
%,6
%,%
%,%
%,.
%,:
%,%
*,/
*,.
*,1
1,&
*,.
*,0
*,:
*,%
*,.
*,.
*,.
*,1
*,.
1,/
*,0
%,0
*,+
1,0
1,0
.,.
.,&
.,1
.,.
1,0
.,/
.,/
.,*
.,/
.,&
.,1
.,1
1,1
.,%
+,:
+,:
6,%
+,0
+,6
6,/
+,1
+,6
+,6
+,0
+,1
+,*
+,0
+,:
:,&
+,0
6,&
6,&
6,.
6,/
6,&
6,/
+,6
6,/
+,0
6,/
+,0
6,/
6,1
6,%
+,+
6,/
.,1
.,&
.,6
.,*
.,+
.,+
1,0
.,*
.,%
.,.
.,/
.,/
.,.
.,1
.,+
.,.
9eriod &01&'&06/
7 more detailed analsis on the influence of to!ogra!h on cloudiness cannot be
!erformed because there is no data from stations, situated on slo!es with different
e"!osure and altitude. Ihen a!!ling the established !atterns from other areas in the
countr, we can !resume that in summer the cloudiness rises with higher altitude, and
in winter ' cloudiness in not mountainous and low mountain areas is higher than in
medium mountain areas.
-ist
The !ro"imit to the Black Sea results in the freCuent mists formation, even in
summer. 7ccording to <+=, there is no mist variation in the lower !art of the coastline
with height increase.
Numer of foggy days per month, per half year and per year #hart +
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% %V+%& &+%%%
'ear
Shabla
Kaliakra
Balchik
Suvorovo
!arna
%. &hiflik
,-or
(esebar
"omorie
Burgas
So$opol
Tsarevo
#e$ovo
).*arnovo
&,
+
*,
1
&,
6
&,
/
*,
&
&,
+
%,
1
&,
&
&,
6
.,
6
%,
%
.,
/
&,
6
*,
1
%,/
.,%
%,/
&,:
1,%
&,6
%,/
&,1
&,+
1,+
%,.
*,+
*,%
%,6
%,%
1,.
%,1
/,0
1,%
&,0
%,1
&,1
&,+
1,%
%,6
*,1
*,+
*,1
&,1
1,%
%,6
/,0
1,*
%,&
%,%
&,+
&,.
*,6
%,0
%,:
*,/
&,1
&,
&
1,
&
&,
0
/,
0
*,
%
&,
0
%,
/
&,
.
/,
0
*,
1
&,
:
%,
6
%,
*
&,
+
/,1
&,/
/,*
/,%
&,&
&,/
/,:
/,&
/,%
&,&
/,*
/,.
/,+
&,/
/,%
/,.
/,&
/,%
/,6
/,6
/,0
/,/
/,&
/,6
/,%
/,&
/,.
&,*
/,1
/,+
/,&
/,.
&,/
&,%
&,&
/,/
/,&
&,/
/,&
/,/
/,%
&,%
/,.
/,6
/,1
&,/
&,0
%,%
/,0
/,&
/,*
&,*
/,1
/,&
/,*
&,&
&,
&
&,
1
/,
:
&,
.
%,
0
1,
0
/,
:
/,
0
&,
%
%,
6
/,
+
&,
*
/,
.
%,
+
&,0
%,+
&,*
&,:
*,+
%,0
&,*
&,&
&,%
*,:
&,+
%,/
/,6
%,6
&,:
*,:
&,+
&,+
1,:
%,*
%,/
&,*
&,+
+,&
&,:
1,.
&,0
%,*
1,/
&&,%
.,.
*,6
&%,%
0,/
6,&
*,*
*,%
&&,&
.,6
+,&
+,0
6,+
&/,1
%/,:
0,:
:,6
%%,:
&.,1
&&,+
.,+
:,0
%6,&
&&,1
%/,+
&/,.
&+,0
&1,.
*%,/
&.,*
&%,*
*.,/
%1,1
&:,6
:,0
&%,&
*:,*
&6,&
%+,6
&6,1
%1,+
9eriod &01&'&06/
The mists ma"imum along the coast is recorded during the s!ring and autumn
months, as the fogs in autumn are rarer than the fogs in s!ring. 7t the end of s!ring,
due to the breeze circulation, advective fogs are formed which !enetrate */-1/ m
inland. The annual number of fogg das is %&. The dominance of radiation and
advective-radiation !rocesses in the mists formation in the lowlands causes an increase
in the number of fogg das in the low coastline territories, hollows and closed valles.
The greatest number of fogg das in the cold half of the ears is recorded in 2arna,
Burgas, -aliakra and Tsarevo.
"recipitation
The Cuantit and t!e of !reci!itation along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is
determined b the cclones, the cloudiness and the to!ogra!h.
The average monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation in mm #hart 6
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% .in/ Spr/ Sum/ )ut/ 'ear
Suvorovo
!arna
%. &hiflik
'b$or
).*arnov
o
"omorie
Sredets
+itos
,uliakovo
Shabla
Kaliakra
Balchik
(esebar
Burgas
So$opol
Tsarevo
*.
*6
10
+/
&%
/
*:
6&
1/
1&
1%
*:
*.
*0
1.
1+
+6
*
%
*
.
1
+
.
+
0
&
*
+
.
/
*
.
1
&
*
+
*
%
*
&
*
1
1
%
1
/
.
*
*&
*/
*+
*0
61
*%
++
*&
*%
%0
%1
%:
*/
*.
*:
.6
1:
*:
16
1.
+.
*0
16
1+
./
*.
*/
**
*:
11
*:
1.
+
+
1
%
.
+
.
*
+
1
1
:
.
/
.
0
6
%
1
/
*
1
*
0
1
.
1
:
*
0
1
+
++
.*
.:
./
+1
1:
6:
+6
.0
1%
1/
11
1.
.+
1&
1%
.0
*:
1*
**
1/
**
**
1*
1.
*1
%.
*%
**
1/
%.
%6
1:
*+
*+
*/
*1
%.
*:
*+
*.
*/
%%
**
%+
%0
%%
%0
1&
%:
*%
*+
+%
*&
1*
*1
*%
*+
*/
%&
%1
*+
*.
11
*:
*0
16
.*
&/
%
1.
*+
1&
1%
16
1%
*:
*0
16
.%
16
.+
.%
+%
:/
&%
&
.&
1&
.1
+%
+/
.*
./
.&
+/
+1
::
11
.%
+%
.:
&*&
16
*1
.*
+/
10
1%
*0
1.
.:
.1
:/
&&%
&%1
&.6
&61
*1*
&%&
&..
&%:
1%
&%:
&&%
&/*
&&:
&16
&1/
%//
&1.
&1/
&*0
&*:
%/*
&&0
&+1
&*+
&.1
&/*
:0
&//
&&*
&%6
&&.
&1:
&6*
&%+
&*6
&&*
&*:
&/+
&10
&1+
&1/
&/+
:+
&&/
&/1
&%.
:0
0:
&*+
&%/
&1&
&+0
%.+
&%6
&%&
&*/
&*6
&1*
&%1
&/0
&&1
&11
&./
%&/
.++
.&*
.*1
.01
0+0
16*
.:0
.1/
.6*
1:/
1&&
1%1
110
.1*
101
+.+
9eriod &0*&'&06/
The stations along the 8orthern Black Sea coast and ?astern (obrudzha are
characterized b a small !reci!itation amount, but in some ears is recorded heav
raining during the summer months. This refers mainl to 2arna, Shabla and Balchik.
The !ossible reason for the small amount of !reci!itation is the ?as. Balkan ;ountains,
a barrier to the !enetrating humid air masses from the ;editerranean cclones.
9reci!itation increases slowl in the ?astern Balkan ;ountains coastline, and in terms
of annual distribution a rise is recorded in winter months com!ared to summer.
7 considerable !reci!itation is recorded during all months )e"ce!t for the
summer, in ;alko Tarnovo due to the cclones and the influence of Strandzha
;ountains ' altitude, to!ogra!h and vegetation.
The seasonal rainfall !attern indicates autumn-winter ma"imum for most of the
stations. The rainfall readings in winter and summer along the 8orthern coastline are
similar, while south of ca!e ?mine, the winter !reci!itation !revails over the summer.
The ?astern Balkan ;ountains !las the role of a barrier in terms of characteristics of
the rainfall !attern along the coast.
Snow cover and frost
Snow cover along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast rarel lasts long )onl in .-&/
A of winters, <+=. 7mong all studied stations in close !ro"imit to the sea, snow cover
is mainl formed in Fanuar and Bebruar in the region of Shabla, as it is not
considerabl dee!. Snow cover with greater de!th is recorded in the regions of Suvo-
rovo and ;alko Tarnovo, which are situated a bit more far from the sea. The readings
in ;. Tarnovo are influence b the altitude and vegetation of Strandzha ;ountains.
Brosting is connected to the to!ogra!hic characteristics, vegetation, soil surface
and the air masses. 7s altitude rises, a dela in the average and end date of the last
frost is recorded. The earliest frost data is measured on 0 Se!tember in ;alko Tarnovo.
There is again a de!endence on the altitude ' an increase in altitude moves forward the
average date of the first frost.
The average and end date of the last spring and the first autumn frost,
no frost days and the monthly numer of days with no frosting #hart :
Station *ast frost 0irst frost )verage
length of
frost+free
time
Numer of days with
frost
)verage
date
)t a later
date
)verage
date
)t a later
date
%V V %& &
!arn. %1.JJJ %%.J2 &0.KJ &*.K %*0 /,+ /,/ /,/ /,%
Suvorovo %/.J2 %/.2 %/.K %&.JK &:0 %,& /,% /,% %,0
%. &hiflik &:.J2 %/.2 &*.K &1.JK &66 %,* /,% /,* *,%
+itos &&.J2 %/.2 %..K %/.JK &0+ &,: /,& /,& &,:
Sredets +.J2 %%.2 %6.K &..JK %/* &,& /,& /,& &,6
).*arnovo &:.J2 %:.2 %&.K 0.JK &:. &,& /,* /,% &,:
9eriod &0*&'&06/
/ind
The direction and s!eed of wind blowing along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
de!ends on atmos!heric circulation, to!ogra!h and the characteristics of the surface
<:=. Bor most of the stations, winds from the western Cuarter of the horizon are
dominant due to the ?uro!ean annual zone atmos!heric transfer from west to east.
Iinds blowing from north and northeastern dominate in the regions of -aliakra )due
to the ca!e character of the area,, Balchik, Burgas, Sozo!ol, Tsarevo, and Suvorovo,
7tos, Sredets from the stations located inland. @n winter, winds blowing from the land
into the sea or along the shoreline are dominant as a result of the weaker thermal
influence of the sea on the ad>acent areas.
)nnual wind roses for the period )&0*& ' &060,
The orogra!hic influence of the Balkan ;ountains is stronger on cold air
masses, which can be !roven b com!aring the wind !atterns and tem!eratures on both
sides of the mountain range.
Iinds are stronger in ?astern (obrudzha and the ad>acent coastline )among
the strongest in Bulgaria,, com!ared to the winds along the Southern coastline. The flat
surface is a factor for more s!eed winds. @n winter, north of the mountains range,
winds blowing from north-east are dominant, while, the regions south of ca!e ?mine
)8esebar, 9omorie, Burgas, Sozo!ol, are !rotected to some e"tent b the !enetration of
cold continental air.
)verage monthly and yearly wind speed !m"sec$ #hart 0
Station % %% %%% %V V V% V%% V%%% %& & &% &%% 'ear
Shabla 1,6 1,% *,6 *,: *,+ %,0 %,+ %,0 *,& *,* *,6 1,* *,+
obr. inst. 1,: .,/ .,& 1,* *,. %,0 %,6 %,: %,6 *,% 1,% 1,/ *,:
Kaliakra :,. :,* 6,/ .,1 .,% 1,: .,. .,: +,6 6,/ 6,+ :,/ +,6
Balchik .,/ 1,/ *,* *,/ %,0 %,0 %,+ %,: *,% %,0 *,. 1,& *,*
Suvorovo *,. *,. *,. %,0 %,. %,% %,% %,/ %,/ %,. %,6 %,0 %,6
!arna *,: *,: *,0 *,* *,& *,& *,& *,& *,. *,6 1,/ *,+ *,.
St. 0riahovo %,: *,% %,+ %,1 %,/ %,/ &,: &,0 &,0 &,6 %,% %,+ %,*
%. &hiflik %,/ %,% %,/ &,0 &,1 &,* &,% &,% &,% &,& &,1 &,: &,.
0b$or .,% 1,: 1,. *,0 1,/ *,: 1,% 1,1 1,6 .,* 1,: .,* 1,+
,uliakovo %,6 %,0 %,+ %,* &,0 &,: &,: &,: &,0 &,0 %,& %,+ %,%
(esebar *,6 *,/ *,& %,% %,/ %,% %,& %,* %,6 *,& *,1 *,1 %,6
+itos %,6 %,. %,1 &,: &,: &,6 &,0 &,: &,+ &,6 &,0 %,* %,&
"omorie 1,. 1,+ 1,. 1,& *,0 *,6 *,: *,6 1,/ 1,& 1,& 1,& 1,&
1ameno *,1 *,6 *,6 *,1 %,0 %,6 %,0 %,0 *,/ *,/ *,% *,1 *,%
Burgas *,/ *,. 1,1 *,+ *,* *,& *,* *,6 *,0 *,. *,* %,0 *,1
So$opol *,6 *,1 *,% %,/ &,6 &,0 %,/ %,% %,6 %,0 *,* *,. %,6
Tsarevo *,/ *,& *,% %,* %,/ %,/ %,/ %,* %,6 *,/ *,& *,1 %,6
Sredets &,+ %,* %,1 %,* &,0 &,. &,6 &,6 &,. &,1 &,6 &,: &,:
#e$ovo 1,: .,1 1,. *,+ %,: %,: *,& *,* *,6 1,& 1,. 1,0 *,0
). *arnovo &,0 %,* %,/ &,+ &,* /,0 /,: /,0 /,0 &,& &,+ &,: &,1
9eriod &0*&'&06/
The number of wind das is big ' between +/ and :6 das )-aliakra ):6.&,
for areas >utting into the sea. The greater altitude of a station and the closer it is located
to the sea, the greater number of das with strong winds, es!eciall during the cold !art
of the ear. The smallest number of wind das is recorded in 4oren #hiflik ' 1,. and
Staro 3rahovo ' +,+.
The analsis of the indicators of wind s!eed and direction reveal the role of the
to!ogra!h in the area of (obrudzha !lateau ' the !lain characteristics allow for free
!enetration of air masses from north and north-east in winter, usuall with great s!eed.
The location of 4orni #hiflik in the 2alle of -amchia $iver and the
!resence of !ositive sha!es on both sides of the station )north ' Branga !lateau, south '
-amchia ;ountains, define the earl dominance of western and eastern winds.
The dail sea breeze along the 8orthern coastline !enetrates u! to %/-*/ km
inland due to the !lain relief of (obrudzha !lateau.
The mountain hills and dee!l >utting valle of -amchia $iver, !artl the
2alle of (vonitsa $iver, in the area of ?astern Balkan ;ountains create orogra!hic
conditions for balike distribution of sea climate influence, which limits the !erimeter
of the breeze circulation and enhances the night breeze <%=.
@n Burgas lowland, due to orogra!hic reasons )the lowland is >utting dee!l into
the west,, the breeze circulation !enetrates further west )1/-+/ km,, com!ared to
?astern (obrudzha and the area of ?astern Balkan ;ountains, and thereb the sea
climate influence.
Conclusions
The flat relief of the eastern !art of (obrudzha !lateau is a !recondition
for longer sunshine duration, witnessed mainl in the areas at higher altitude
)(obrudzha institute, -arvuna, Suvorovo,. The lack of orogra!hic barrier allows
northern and north-eastern winds to reach higher s!eed, as the !eak is in winter )one of
the strongest winds in Bulgaria,. The falling thermal level occurs with lower average
minimal winter tem!eratures.
The eastern hill !arts of the Balkan ;ountains are a climate barrier
between the 8orthern and the Southern Black Sea coast ' there are differences in
almost all climate elements. $egarding air tem!erature, the !rotective influence of
-amchia ;ountains, ?min ;ountains, -arnobat ;ountains and 7tos ;ountains is
more visible in the cold half of the ear, against the north and north-east !enetrating
continental air masses. @n winter, north of the hills cold north and northeastern winds
are !redominant, and the areas south of ca!e ?mine )8esebar, 9omorie, Burgas,
Sozo!ol, are !rotected to some e"tent which results in the tem!erature readings. There
is a difference between the 8orthern and the Southern coastline in terms of
!reci!itation, as well. The mountain restricts the humid air masses, !enetrating with
;editerranean cclones ' which are a ma>or factor for rainfall. There is minimum
!reci!itation along the 8orthern coast and in ?astern (obrudzha. The winter and
summer amount of rainfall is almost eCual along the 8orthern coast, while south of
ca!e ?mine the winter rainfall e"ceeds summer. 7long the ?astern Balkan ;ountains
coast, the !reci!itation rises slowl, and in annual terms, there is an increase of the
winter rainfall, com!ared to summer. The hills restrict the formation of humid air along
the coast. 7s a result, the sea climate influence is weaker along this !art of the coast.
The Burgas coastal lowland, with the vastest ba along the coast, create
conditions for e"tending the Black sea climate influence inland )u! to 1/-+/ km,,
com!ared to the areas of ?astern (obrudhza )u! to */-1/ km, and ?astern Balkan
;ountains )u! to %/-*/ km,. The sea influence is enhanced in the >utting out
!eninsulas of 8esebar and 9omorie.
@n the Strandzha Black sea coastal area, altitude !las the ma>or role for
determining the climate characteristics. 7s a result of the higher altitude and stretching
direction of the hills of Bosna, Lasekia and Strandzha, it is recorded a decrease in the
average monthl tem!eratures in summer, bigger amount of rainfall and longer lasting
snow cover in winter.
7long the Bulgarian Black Sea coastline, with an increase in altitude, sunshine
duration rises, absolute humidit dro!s, and the relative humidit grows, together with
cloudiness and rainfall.
The concave forms ' valles, canons and covered mountain slo!es )2arna,
4oren #hiflik, 5ulakovo, 7tos, create conditions for a decrease in sunshine
duration and lower average and minimal tem!eratures in winter, com!ared to the
conve" and flat terrains )Shabla, -aliakra, ;alko Tarnovo,. There is greater diurnal
am!litude in concave and less conve" terrains, com!ared to flat areas. 7n increase in
fogg das is recorded in valles and semi-covered valle-like lowering.
@t is necessar to conduct microclimate research in order to stud in more
details the connection between Black sea coastal climate and to!ogra!h.
1eferences
&. 4eogra!hia na Bulgaria. B7S, 4@.2345
%. (imitrov, (. -limat na Bulgaria. Sofia, 2363
*. -eremidchiev, S. ;orfohidrografski analiz na bregovata zona na Balgarskoto
chernomorsko krabrezhie, @nst. !o 3ceanologia, vol. *, B7S, Sofia, 5772
1. -limatichen s!ravochnik na Bulgaria, vol. @, Slancheva radiatsia, slanchevo
greene, Sofia, 2364
.. -limatichen s!ravochnik na Bulgaria, vol. @@@, Tem!eratura na vazduha,
tem!erature na !ochvata, slana, Sofia, 2363
+. -limatichen s!ravochnik na Bulgaria, vol. @@, 2lazhnost na vazduha, magla,
horizontalna vidimost, oblachnost, snezhna !okrivka, Sofia, 2348
6. -limatichen s!ravochnik na Bulgaria, vol. 2, 2alezhi, Sofia, 2337
:. -limatichen s!ravochnik na Bulgaria, vol. @2, 2atar, Sofia, 2345