Engineering geological properties of the limestones in the area between Bolata Bay and Yaylata Natural Reserve near the village of Kamen Bryag, Northeastern Bulgaria

The stability of the rock cliffs located along the northern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is of fundamental importance for the safety of tourists and the risk assessment in this area. For this purpose, two sections have been described and tested – from Bolata Bay to the pumping station and from the Yaylata Natural Reserve. The limestones with Nubecularia novorossica of the Odartsi Formation and carbonate tempestites (Sarmatian age) were studied, by taking samples and examining their physical and mechanical properties and micropetrographic description. The analysis of the results of the studied samples showed that most of the physical and mechanical indicators of the two types of limestones are similar. The strength indicators are higher in the limestones with Nubecularia novorossica and lower for some carbonate tempestites.