Coastal Hazards under Climate Change

Dear Colleagues,

Coastal regions represent some of the most densely populated and economically vital areas worldwide, but they are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and shifting coastal dynamics are all contributing to the escalation of coastal hazards. These hazards pose a significant threat to both human communities and the environment, demanding urgent attention and innovative solutions.

The special issue seeks to address the multifaceted challenges associated with coastal hazards in the context of a changing climate. It aims to provide a platform for cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of coastal processes, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies. By gathering insights from experts in diverse fields, this special issue strives to offer a comprehensive view of the complex interactions between climate change and coastal hazards.

The special issue welcomes contributions that advance our knowledge of these critical issues and facilitate the development of effective strategies to safeguard coastal communities and ecosystems in an era of climate uncertainty. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

• Coastal Storm Analysis;
• Coastal Hazards Drivers (Storm Surges, Sea Level Rise & Extreme Waves);
• Compound Flooding Events (coastal, river and rainfall flooding);
• Coastal Erosion;
• Coastal Flooding & Inundation;
• Coastal Hazard Forecasting & Early-Warning Systems Coastal Hazard Monitoring;
• Coastal Vulnerability Assessment & Mapping;
• Effect of Climate Changes on Coastal Hazards;
• Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Managing Coastal Hazards;
• Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Coastal Hazards Analysis, Monitoring & Forecasting.

Prof. Dr. Vasiliki K. Tsoukala
Dr. Michalis K. Chondros
Guest Editors

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• coastal hazard
• coastal storm
• coastal flooding and inundation
• coastal erosion
• coastal vulnerability assessment
• climate change
• artificial intelligence
• machine learning

Title: Flood inundation at coastal areas due to extreme storm tides under the effect of projected climate change: application to the Greek coastal zone
Authors: Galiatsatou, P., Makris, C., Baltikas, V., Mallios, Z., Krestenitis, Y. and Prinos, P.
Affiliation: Hydraulics Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract: This study examines the effects of projected climate change on extreme storm-induced sea levels and flood inundation at selected low-land areas of the Greek coastal zone. The analysed extreme sea surface heights resulted from high-resolution simulations with a robust storm surge model (MeCSS) fed by atmospheric circulation data from three high-resolution Regional Climate Models (RCMs) provide by the MED-CORDEX database: i) the CMCC-CCLM4 non-hydrostatic RCM, ii) the CNRM-ALADIN52 limited area bi-spectral RCM, and iii) the GUF-COSMO-Climate Limited-area Modelling (CCLM) RCM. Future climate estimations were based on Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Extreme sea levels due to storm surge along the entire Greek coastline, corresponding to a reference (1971-2005) and two future (2021-2055 and 2066-2100) periods, are extrapolated using Extreme Value Theory (EVT). Uncertainty in return level estimates of extreme storm surges is also considered in the analysis. Flood inundation due to extrapolated storm surge extreme events enhanced by local values of the highest astronomical tides, is then performed at selected coastal sites using a high-resolution, reduced complexity, mass-balance hydraulic model (CoastFLOOD) to assess floodwater inundation on the coastal terrain. Coastal flood inundation results for the different RCMs and greenhouse gasses concentration scenarios at the selected coastal sites, are then compared to identify the most flood-prone areas of the Greek coastal zone and possible effects of climate change on the flooding hazard.

Title: Effects of Sea Level Rise on Hydrodynamics and Spatial Availability in Mexican Coastal Wetlands along the Pacific Americas Flyway
Authors: Román Alejandro Canul Turriza; Violeta Z. Fernández-Díaz; Roselia Turriza Mena; Karla Gabriela Mejía-Piña; Oscar May Tzuc
Affiliation: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche
Abstract: Globally, coastal wetlands are among the most dynamic and important environments due to their wide range of environmental services, from which coastal communities benefit. Mexico has coastal wetlands that are a priority in the Pacific Flyway in America, since every year millions of shorebirds use these wetlands to reproduce and rest during their migration, in addition to various species that live there and are under some protection standard or in danger of extinction. In addition, these Mexican wetlands are also spaces from which important growing coastal communities benefit. However, the conservation of these coastal sites will be compromised in the coming decades by factors such a sea level rise and increasing pressure derived from coastal development, which directly impacts the potential loss of space and consequently the decrease of migratory bird populations. This work identifies hydrodynamic changes and the effects of sea level rise in five coastal wetlands in Mexico and the Pacific Flyway in America, focusing on the future availability of space and the potential loss of ecosystem services under projected scenarios. Results are generated that give us a knowledge base to design strategies focused on the conservation and resilience of these wetlands in the face of sea level rise.