This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics, structural transformation, and ecological stability of coastal landscapes across the Samur-Davachi lowland under the dual influence of Caspian Sea level fluctuations and anthropogenic activities. Integrating multi-decadal sea-level records, field landscape mapping, and hydrogeological data, we evaluate landscape response across transgressive (1978–1995) and subsequent regressive (post-1995, below -29.0 m) phases. Results indicate that during peak transgression, marine waters inundated 80-100 km² of coastal semi-desert, forcing shorelines inland by 200-300 m in the north, up to 1500 m in the south, and 4-5 km in the Agzybir lagoon sector, re-establishing the historical 1926 baseline. Rising groundwater tables induced three distinct waterlogging tiers: severely (0.0–0.5 m depth), moderately (0.5–1.5 m depth), and weakly (1.5–3.5 m depth) waterlogged geosystems, driving widespread transition into subaqueous aqual and wetland complexes. On the Shollar plain, century-long anthropogenic pressure reduced forest cover by 2.0-2.5 times, leaving 60-65% as secondary stands and accelerating forest steppification. Crucially, increased soil hydromorphy accelerated vegetation colonization on coastal dunes, dampening aeolian mobility and stabilizing psammomorphic systems. These findings highlight the non-linear coupling of natural and anthropogenic drivers and emphasize the necessity of adaptive land-use strategies along dynamic Caspian coastal zones.

Keywords: Samur-Davachi lowland, Caspian Sea coast, transgression, regression, aqual landscapes

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