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2505-12. Large grains of sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019Similar picturesLarge thumbnails | Use small thumbnails | View as slideshow |
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2505-12. Large grains of sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019Similar picturesLarge thumbnails | Use small thumbnails | View as slideshow |
 Large grains of sand on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Large sand grains on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Grains of sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Grains of granite on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Large grained sand on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Large-grained sand on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Sand ripples on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Course-grained sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Blue bottle shard (sea glass) on sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Course-grained sand on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2016  Sand ripples on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Sand ripples at low tide on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Ripples on wet sand in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Spikelet of sand ryegrass (Leymus arenarius, Russian name Volosnets peschany) on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Sand ripples on a beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Sand ripples on a beach east of Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016  Sand ripples on a beach of Gulf of Finland in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Texture of sand ripples on a beach east of Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016  Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Patterns: Dark, flame-like streaks of black and purplish sand (magnetite, ilmenite, and garnet) sorted by wave action. Quartz-Feldspar Base: A background of lighter golden-brown sand composed of quartz and feldspar grains. Hydrodynamic Sorting: Intricate shapes created by the "swash and backwash" of waves, which wash away lighter grains and leave heavier minerals behind. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Beach pea in dunes. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Serene autumn scene at Laskovy Beach (Russian: Laskovyy Plyazh) in the settlement of Solnechnoe, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Saint Petersburg. Laskovy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Kurortny District of Saint Petersburg. The name "Laskovy" translates to "Affectionate" or "Tender," while the settlement name, Solnechnoe, means "Sunny". This area has a rich history as a summer resort destination; formerly known as the Finnish village of Ollila, it became a hub for St. Petersburg s intelligentsia and dacha owners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image shows a trio of birch trees with vibrant yellow and orange leaves, which is characteristic of the "Golden Autumn" season in the Leningrad Region during early-to-mid October. The golden leaves contrast strikingly with the blue sky and the dark blue waters of the Gulf. The large white concrete sphere on the sand is a landscaping feature. Russia, October 9, 2025  Roots of reeds on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 24, 2017  Dunes of Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Birches on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Nude beach between Solnechnoe and Beloostrov, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Boat on a beach between Repino and Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Laskovy Beach off season in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Birches on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Dunes of Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Entrance of Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Ice crystals on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 24, 2017  A beach between Beloostrov and Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg, Russia. September 7, 2002  Tabular ice crystals on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 24, 2017  Mansion of S. V. Matvienko on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Entrance path of Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Birch trees on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Concrete receptacle on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Water at low tide on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Several birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Birch tree on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 24, 2017  Gulf of Finland from Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Mansion of S. V. Matvienko on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Group of birches on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Flowers of Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Blooming Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Birch tree stand on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Blooming Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) on a beach. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Concrete spherical receptacle on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Yellow flowers of sunflower family on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Group of birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) on Laskovyi Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Beach Pea (Lathyrus maritimus, Russian name Cheena) in dunes of Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Fenced pond and a mansion of S. V. Matvienko estate on a beach near Solnechnoe. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 20, 2012  Dunes of Laskovy Beach in area of volleyball courts in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Fall foliage of birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013  Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre, Russian name Ochitok) on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Green moss on sandy soil in overgrown dunes near a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024  Freshwater mussels Anodonta cygnea(?) (Bezzubka in Russian) on a beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2016  Flowers of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus, Russian name Cheena) in dunes of Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011  Flowers of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus, Russian name Cheena) in dunes of Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Blue flowers of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus, Russian name Cheena) in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand near Gulf of Finland. Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, Russian name Derbennik) near a creek on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Fruit of yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) found on a beach between Solnechnoe and Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Flowers of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, Russian name Derbennik) near a creek on a beach in Solnechnoe, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Flowers of water crowfoot (Batrachium circinatum, Russian name Shelkovnik) found on a beach between Solnechnoe and Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016  Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  Stones on a beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Wind driven sand grains of two different sizes in area of dunes near Harrarah, west from Mesayeed, south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 19, 2013  Sestra River on a beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  A gull with a fish on a beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021  Sculptures on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016  Stony beach with water springs in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Sand ripples on a beach. Kurort, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  European searocket (Cakile baltica, Cakile maritima subsp. baltica, Russian name Gorchitsa) on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2017  Public sculptures on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 19, 2011  Laskovy Beach and Gulf of Finland in Solnechnoe, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 19, 2011  Pine and alder trees near stony beach in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Sand ripples at sunrise in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 17, 2021  Sand ripples east of Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016  Large grains in globose spikelets of Sorghum bicolor found in area of Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, August 30, 2014  View towards Repino from the Laskovy Beach area in Solnechnoe highlighting a transition in the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Finland, marked by rugged natural textures and distinct geological features typical of the Karelian Isthmus shoreline. Unlike the wide, smooth sandy expanses of the main Laskovy Beach, the stretch towards Repino is characterized by a "stony belt" of glacial boulders and pebbles. The rocks visible in the shallow water and on the sand--primarily rapakivi granite and gneiss--are glacial erratics left behind by retreating ice sheets. Their reddish and grey hues (wet from the waves) contrast sharply with the rust-colored sand. Several hooded crows (Corvus cornix) are visible foraging along the shoreline. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Sand ripples covered by iron oxide film on a beach. Kurort, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014  Desert lizard Arabian toad headed agama (Phrynocephalus arabicus) with fringes of long scales around the eyes to keep out sand grains in area of dunes near Harrarah, west from Mesayeed, south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 19, 2013  Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Blooming seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Gulf of Finland in Solnechnoe, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 30, 2019  Catkins of willow near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019  Expansive view looking north-northwest from the southern end of the Sestroretsk coastline towards the Sestroretsk Resort (Kurort) and, further in the distance, the settlement of Solnechnoe (Sunny). The coastline curves gently inward. This specific geography near Sestroretsk causes the eastward littoral drift (sand movement) to weaken, resulting in a very wide, accretional beach (up to 140 meters wide) known for its fine sand and extensive dunes. The foreground shows a sandy spit or sandbar created by the outflow of water. The shallow water here creates the wide, calm pools seen in the foreground, which are popular with birds. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025  Massive roll-rim mushroom Paxillus obscurisporus(?) in sand on a beach in West Kotlin Nature Reserve in Kronstadt. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 2, 2018  Colony of plants of seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016  Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Streaks: The dark purplish-black areas are concentrated deposits of heavy minerals (magnetite, ilmenite, garnet). Light Mineral Patches: The beige/tan areas are the lighter quartz and feldspar sands. Flow Patterns: The sand is sculpted into fluid, wavy shapes ("swash marks"), showing exactly where water flowed and separated the grains based on density. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025 |
