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Since 1971, remote sensing techniques have been used to map and monitor phenomena and parameters of the coastal zone. However, updated reviews have only considered one phenomenon, parameter, remote data source, platform, or geographic region. No review has offered an updated overview of coastal phenomena and parameters that can be accurately mapped and monitored with remote data. This systematic review was performed to achieve this purpose. A total of 15,141 papers published from January 2021 to June 2023 were identified. The 1475 most cited papers were screened, and 502 eligible papers were included. The Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched using all possible combinations between two groups of keywords: all geographical names in coastal areas and all remote data and platforms. The systematic review demonstrated that, to date, many coastal phenomena (103) and parameters (39) can be mapped and monitored using remote data (e.g., coastline and land use and land cover changes, climate change, and coastal urban sprawl). Moreover, the authors validated 91% of the retrieved parameters, retrieved from remote data 39 parameters that were mapped or monitored 1158 times (88% of the parameters were combined together with other parameters), monitored 75% of the parameters over time, and retrieved 69% of the parameters from several remote data and compared the results with each other and with available products. They obtained 48% of the parameters using different methods, and their results were compared with each other and with available products. They combined 17% of the parameters that were retrieved with GIS and model techniques. In conclusion, the authors addressed the requirements needed to more effectively analyze coastal phenomena and parameters employing integrated approaches: they retrieved the parameters from different remote data, merged different data and parameters, compared different methods, and combined different techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave climates are fundamental drivers of coastal vulnerability and changing trends in wave height, period and direction can severely impact coastlines. In a diverse storm environment, the changes in these parameters are difficult to detect and quantify. Since wave climates are linked to atmospheric circulation patterns an automated and objective classification scheme was developed to explore links between synoptic scale circulation patterns and wave climate variables, specifically wave heights. The algorithm uses a set of objective functions based on wave heights to guide the classification. Fuzzy rules define classification types that are used to detect locally high and low pressure anomalies through a process of simulated annealing. The optimized classification focuses on extreme wave events. The east coast of South Africa was used as a case study. The results show that three dominant patterns drive extreme wave events. The circulation patterns exhibit some seasonality with one pattern present throughout the year. Some 50-80% of the extreme wave events are explained by these three paterns. It is evident that strong low pressure anomalies east of the country drive a wind towards the KwaZulu-Natal coastline which results in extreme wave conditions. We conclude that the methodology can be used to link circulation patterns to wave heights within a diverse storm environment. The circulation patterns agree with qualitative observations of wave climate drivers. There are applications to the assessment of coastal vulnerability and the management of coastlines worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unequivocal change in the climate system has put coastal regions around the world at increasing risk from climate-related hazards. Monitoring the coast is often difficult and expensive, resulting in sparse monitoring equipment lacking in sufficient temporal and spatial coverage. Thus, low-cost methods to monitor the coast at finer temporal and spatial resolution are imperative for climate resilience along the world's coasts. Exploiting such low-cost methods for the development of early warning support could be invaluable to coastal settlements. This paper aims to provide the most up-to-date low-cost techniques developed and used in the last decade for monitoring coastal hazards and their forcing agents via systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature in three scientific databases: Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. A total of 60 papers retrieved from these databases through the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol were analysed in detail to yield different categories of low-cost sensors. These sensors span the entire domain for monitoring coastal hazards, as they focus on monitoring coastal zone characteristics (e.g., topography), forcing agents (e.g., water levels), and the hazards themselves (e.g., coastal flooding). It was found from the meta-analysis of the retrieved papers that terrestrial photogrammetry, followed by aerial photogrammetry, was the most widely used technique for monitoring different coastal hazards, mainly coastal erosion and shoreline change. Different monitoring techniques are available to monitor the same hazard/forcing agent, for instance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), time-lapse cameras, and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for monitoring coastal morphological changes such as beach erosion, creating opportunities to not only select but also combine different techniques to meet specific monitoring objectives. The sensors considered in this paper are useful for monitoring the most pressing challenges in coastal zones due to the changing climate. Such a review could be extended to encompass more sensors and variables in the future due to the systematic approach of this review. This study is the first to systematically review a wide range of low-cost sensors available for the monitoring of coastal zones in the context of changing climate and is expected to benefit coastal researchers and managers to choose suitable low-cost sensors to meet their desired objectives for the regular monitoring of the coast to increase climate resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, an increasing economic and social flooding damages trend has been recorded worldwide. Although this situation was initially associated with climate change, recently different institutions and scientific papers have related this trend to two main reasons: (i) a human population increase and (ii) the number of assets located in floodable areas. In this regard, this paper analyses evolutions in flood damages and their causes in a Mediterranean area, the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, between 1996 and 2016. The duration of this period, from a flood risk management policy point of view, is very important because it encompasses one of the most important legislative periods at a national and European level. As a main result, this paper establishes a temporal and spatial pattern related to increases in flood damages and their main influence on coastal areas, respectively, due to certain economic, spatial and temporal factors. As a conclusion, these trends demonstrate the inefficiency of flood risk management policies, especially those connected with spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pressing problem facing coastal decision makers is the conversion of "high level" but plausible climate change assessments into an effective basis for climate change adaptation at the local scale. Here, we describe a web-based, geospatial decision- support tool (DST) that provides an assessment of the potential flood risk for populated coastal lowlands arising from future sea-level rise, coastal storms and high river flows. This DST has been developed to support operational and strategic decision making by enabling the user to explore the flood hazard from extreme events, changes in the extent of the flood-prone areas with sea-level rise, and thresholds of sea-level rise where current policy and resource options are no longer viable. The DST is built in an open source GIS that uses freely available geospatial data. Flood risk assessments from a combination of LISFLOOD-FP and SWAB models are embedded within the tool; the user interface enables interrogation of different combinations of coastal and river events under rising sea-level scenarios. Users can readily vary the input parameters (sea level, storms, wave height and river flow) relative to the present-day topography and infrastructure to identify combinations where significant regime shifts or "tipping points" occur. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the attributes of the DST with respect to the wider coastal community and the UK energy sector. Examples report on the assets at risk and illustrate the extent of flooding in relation to infrastructure access. This informs an economic assessment of potential losses due to climate change and thus provides local authorities and energy operators with essential information on the feasibility of investment for building resilience into vulnerable components of their area of responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present the result of commonly used extreme wave analysis distribution methods applied to a long-term wave hindcast at a point in the Arabian Gulf near the coastline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The wave data were hindcasted for a total period of 40 years, starting from 1 January 1979 to 31 December 2018. This analysis aims to support the design, repair, and maintenance of coastal structures near the Dubai coast. A 2.5 m threshold is selected using the Peak Over Threshold method to filter the storm data for the extreme wave analysis. Different distribution methods are used for this analysis such as Log-normal, Gumbel, Weibull, Exponential, and Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD). The significant wave heights are predicted for different return periods. The GPD distribution appears to fit the data best compared to the other distribution methods. Many coastal projects are being planned near the Dubai coastline. Hence, the analysis presented in this paper would be useful in designing safe and efficiently designed projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Changes of the Coastal Zones Due to Climate Change" is a research article that explores the relationship between coastal climate change and sea dynamics. The article highlights the vulnerability of coastal areas to environmental shifts such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. It discusses various research papers that investigate the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems, shoreline changes, and storm surge inundation. The article also emphasizes the importance of understanding waves and storm surges to develop effective strategies for coastal flooding mitigation. Additionally, it explores the potential for renewable offshore energy exploitation and ecosystem-based solutions for climate change adaptation in coastal areas. The research findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of coastal climate dynamics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in developing adaptation strategies and fostering resilience in the face of climate change. [Extracted from the article]

Coastal regions in Southwest Europe have experienced major interventions and transformations of the territory with unprecedented urban development, primarily related to growing tourism activity. The coast is the place where marine and terrestrial processes converge, making it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, the lack of information on the frequency of these extreme weather events and their impacts on the coast hampers an accurate analysis of the consequences of global change. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the extreme weather events (EWE) that have affected the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Southwest Europe during the period from 1 January 2009 to 28 February 2020, as well as a quantification of their impacts: fatalities, injuries and economic damage. Official sources from France, Portugal and Spain were consulted, along with technical reports, scientific articles, etc., to generate a unified database. A total of 95 significant extreme events have caused 168 fatalities, 137 injuries and almost €4000 M in direct economic losses. Cyclone Xynthia (February 2010) on the French Atlantic coast stands out, having caused 47 fatalities, 79 injuries and substantial economic losses valued at €3000 M. The study shows a slight upward trend in the number of events recorded, especially during the last three years of the analysis, as well as in human losses and damages. The results reveal a higher exposure of the Mediterranean coast of Southwest Europe when compared to the Atlantic, especially the Spanish Mediterranean coast, with 61% of the fatalities recorded there during the study period. This is primarily due to a model of exponential tourism growth on the Mediterranean coast, with an enormous urban and infrastructure development during the last decades. Traditionally, the Mediterranean coast is less prepared to reduce the effects of marine storms, extreme events that are becoming more frequent and virulent in the context of climate and global change. This work highlights the need to create a continuous monitoring system–at the European level–of the impacts of extreme weather events on the coast, where 40% of the European population is concentrated. This observatory should serve as a source of information for risk mitigation policies (predictive, preventive and corrective), as well as for emergency management during disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we critically reflect on the ability of spatial and sectoral planning approaches to deal with regional climate change, especially sea level rise, and analyze the potential of ecosystem service assessments in regional coastal climate change adaptation planning. We present two concrete but contrasting case studies that focus on coastal realignment and wetland restoration as well as seaside tourism and resort development on the German Baltic Sea coast. The ecosystem service assessments compare past, present and potential future local development scenarios. Complementary, we apply the InVest and the Matrix ecosystem service assessment approaches. Despite some shortcomings, the proactive German hierarchical planning system seems suitable to deal with climate change and provide a framework for adaptation measures in coastal zones. It largely prevents a shift of climate change risks between municipalities and stakeholders. Comparative ecosystem service assessments seem well suited to play a role in the planning process by raising awareness about problems, possible solutions and consequences. On a local level, they can provide comprehensive insight into consequences of alternative measures. Our examples show that, in principle, potential future situations can be addressed with comparative ecosystem service approaches. We discuss whether the results of hypothetical future scenarios, with inherent uncertainties, might be misleading and counterproductive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall in the Moist Tropical Caribbean Region (MTCR) in Costa Rica occurs practically throughout the year, with the quarters June–August (JJA) and December–February (DJF) concentrating over 70% of annual rainfall. Contrarily, in March–April and September–October, it rains below 100 mm per month. This seasonal rainfall behavior makes the region ideal for producing bananas (Musa spp.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) for export (10% and 8% of total exports in 2021, respectively). A national-scale study determined that agriculture in the MTCR is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate changes. However, the climate in this region has been poorly studied so far. This research analyzed the spatial and temporal variability of annual, monthly, and seasonal (DJF, JJA, SO) rainfall in the MTCR and how they change in the study period based on quality-checked series of daily rainfall from 28 weather stations in two periods: 1985–2009 and 1997–2019. The results show that rainfall regimes in the region are variable in space and throughout the year, with peaks occurring close to the mountain range and minimum values close to the coast. Trends were statistically significant in the period 1985–2009 with a predominance of significant positive trends in DJF and significant negative trends in SO. No significant trends (positive or negative) were observed in the period 1997–2019. JJA rainfall has uneven regional distribution and presents a positive and significant trend in the mountain region. This paper contributes to filling the knowledge gap in rainfall seasonality, variability, and trends in a region where banana and pineapple commercial plantations are fundamental to the country's economy thus providing information to decision-making in the agri-food sector to reduce the negative impacts of changing rainfall regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is currently confronting one of its biggest environmental challenges: combating climate change. Coastal zones are one of the areas thought to be most sensitive to current and future climate change threats. The paper integrates Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to detect vulnerable areas from climate change impacts in coastal zones in order to recommend adaptation systems in new coastal zones that can withstand various climatic changes. The proposed decision-making framework was developed in three phases: 1) climate data collection and processing; 2) Coastal Climate Impact Assessment (CCIA) model development; and 3) implementation and adaptation system selection. The climate data collection and processing phase involves determining the most significant climate change parameters and their indicators that affect coastal zone stability, extracting climatic data indicators from different climate database sources, and prioritizing the selected indicators. The indicators' weights were estimated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) through a questionnaire survey shared with experts in climate change impacts. A CCIA model development phase involves the formulation of the proposed model using GIS technique to discover the vulnerable areas according to the most dominant impact. The implementation and adaptation system selection phase involves the application of the framework to Al-Alamein New City in Egypt. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to measure the behavior of several climate change parameters to identify the most critical parameter for climate change in Al-Alamein New City. The results showed that the geology of the region is the most crucial component influenced by climate change. It is capable of producing a very sensitive area in the coastal zone while also taking other factors into account. When creating new urban neighborhoods, the erosion of the shoreline is the least important factor to consider. This is because coastal deterioration is caused by both the influence of metrological data on the region and the impact of human activity. Shoreline deterioration will be reduced if climate conditions are maintained while limiting the impact of human activities. To adapt to the long-term effects of climate change on coastal zones, a combination of soft and hard protection systems should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings on the links between coastal/marine resources endowment and climate change resilience to coastal communities in Mchungu and Kivinja' A' village on the coastal zone of Rufiji District in Tanzania. The study focused on exploring the existing coastal resources and their support to communities' livelihood, climatic threats that are experienced, and the role of coastal resources in enhancing communities' resilience. It further sought to establish other enabling factors for climate change adaptation (e.g., gender, education, governance, by-laws, and membership in social networks). The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and household surveys in data collection. Findings show that Mchungu village is endowed with fish, mangrove, natural canal, and floodplains as their major coastal resources, while Kivinja' A' is rich in salt and coconut production. Communities in both villages exploit these coastal resources for their livelihood activities such as fishing, agriculture, and business. The study further found that coastal communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change through temperature rise, flooding, drought, sea-level rise, and storm surges. These affect household food security in terms of fish catch and crop production. The study revealed that coastal and marine resources were important for increasing community resilience (P ≤ 0.05) to climate change impacts in the studied villages. However, household resilience to climate change impacts was also influenced by gender, by-laws, education, and membership in social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retreat rates of Arctic coasts have increased in recent decades at many sites, and an essential part of coasts considered accumulative before have turned erosional due to global climate changes and construction in the coastal zone. In this paper, we study a 7 km long coastal section of the western Gydan Peninsula in a new construction area. Based on the interpretation of multi-temporal satellite imagery, we assessed coastal dynamics in distinct periods from 1972 to 2020. We analyzed the geological structure of the coast as well as changes in hydrometeorological parameters with time, and considering the human impact, we proposed the main drivers of spatial and temporal variations of coastal dynamics. The studied low-lying sandy accumulative marine terrace was more or less stable in the period before construction (1972–2014). However, with the area's development, the coast dynamics changed drastically: in 2014–2017, three-quarters of the studied area experienced retreat, and the average retreat rate amounted to 5.8 m/yr, up to 28.5 m/yr near the construction sites. We relate this coastal erosion intensification to human impact combined with the growth of hydrometeorological forcing. Although coastal erosion slowed down after 2017, the retreat trend remained. In the coming years, with Arctic climate warming, erosion of the studied coast will continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, hydroclimatic extremes are becoming more frequent and intense and their characterization and analysis is essential for climate modelling. One of the regions that will be most affected by these extremes is the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Therefore, this paper analyses the significant wave height (Hs), peak wave period (Tp) and sea level (SL) extremes and their correlation along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. After conducting this analysis, it is finally concluded that and adjustment of the extreme long-term distribution of Tp is urgently needed to create accurate models and projections, which must be considered in combination with the intense extremes happening in the Levantine basin when modelling this area and designing new projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities and their environments are facing unprecedented changes, with climate change driving rising global mean sea level, exacerbating extreme sea level events, and increasing hazards. Whilst adaptations to change have been central to coastal life for millennia, climate change brings a speed and intensity of change not previously experienced. Researchers are noting that adaptations are needed that are large scale and systemic with significant changes to lives and livelihoods – Transformational Adaptations – yet there is little evidence of this in practice, and there remains an operationalisation gap between ambitions and actions. This paper uses a qualitative case study method to assess how existing policy may enable and inhibit local stakeholder involvement in transformational adaptation in English coastal flood and erosion risk management. Through twenty interviews with coastal management stakeholders, the capacity for local coastal management stakeholders to initiate transformational adaptation and the perceived involvement of residents are analysed. The results indicate that transformational adaptation remains a distant aspiration in the English coastal management system, with local stakeholders possessing limited capacity to initiate it. The perceived role for residents in adaptation processes is often focused on their being recipients of adaptation interventions, and there are a range of barriers to their further involvement. The paper concludes that despite the theoretical interest in transformational adaptation, there is limited evidence its implementation in English coastal flood and erosion risk management, and there are multiple priority areas for policy development to support capacity for engaged transformational adaptation practices in coastal management contexts. • There are few examples of transformational adaptation in the English coastal flood and erosion risk management. • The perceived role for residents in adaptation processes is often focused on their being recipients of interventions. • There are a range of barriers for local stakeholders to develop and enact coastal adaptation policy or practice. • There are multiple priorities for policy development to support capacity for engaged transformational adaptation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change on Small Island Developing States ( SIDS) are leading to discussions regarding decision-making about the potential need to migrate. Despite the situation being well-documented, with many SIDS aiming to raise the topic to prominence and to take action for themselves, limited support and interest has been forthcoming from external sources. This paper presents, analyzes, and critiques a decision-making flowchart to support actions for SIDS dealing with climate change-linked migration. The flowchart contributes to identifying the pertinent topics to consider and the potential support needed to implement decision-making. The flowchart has significant limitations and there are topics which it cannot resolve. On-the-ground considerations include who decides, finances, implements, monitors, and enforces each decision. Additionally, views within communities differ, hence mechanisms are needed for dealing with differences, while issues to address include moral and legal blame for any climate change-linked migration, the ultimate goal of the decision-making process, the wider role of migration in SIDS communities and the right to judge decision-making and decisions. The conclusions summarize the paper, emphasizing the importance of considering contexts beyond climate change and multiple SIDS voices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea level rise and sea state variability, resulting from climate change and global warming, are critical research areas. However, current techniques for observing and monitoring these phenomena have limitations in terms of spatial and temporal resolution, particularly in dynamic coastal zones. GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) is an emerging bistatic radar-based technique that utilizes the GNSS direct (transmitter-receiver) and reflected (transmitter-reflection point-receiver) signals to extract properties of the reflecting surface. This study explores the potential of airborne GNSS-R as a means to monitor sea state in coastal areas by using the Doppler spread and reflectivity as observables. The paper aims to derive a sea state factor from the reflected signal power and the Doppler shift distribution to analyze its correlation with wind speed and significant wave height data obtained from the ERA5 model. The experiment involved four flights conducted along the coast between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, in July 2019. A GNSS software receiver processes the direct and reflected signals, tracking and re-tracking the reflected signals with the aid of a specular reflection model. The resulting in-phase and quadrature components are analyzed in the spectral domain every minute to estimate the power, the surface reflectivity, and the relative Doppler shift. The findings reveal that the sea state factor and Doppler spreading are sensitive to sea state conditions, correlated with the ERA5 parameters, and influenced by the elevation angle of GNSS satellites. At low elevations (E<10°), the sea state factor demonstrates an inverse relationship (anti-correlation) with the wind speed and significant wave height, while the Doppler distribution shows a correlation with these parameters. Both correlations decrease with increasing elevation angle. This research underscores the potential of airborne GNSS-R for monitoring sea state variability in coastal areas enhancing our understanding of the relationships between GNSS-R measurements and sea state parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Understanding the formation and maintenance of biogeographical breaks is fundamental for developing analyses related to biodiversity and conservation. Biogeographical patterns along China's coast are changing dramatically in the face of climate change and alterations in land‐use. In this paper, we sought to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of a biogeographical barrier on China's coast. Location: Coastline of northern China. Methods: We have reviewed literature of research related to biogeographical and phylogeographical patterns of intertidal macrobenthos along the coast of Jiangsu Province and adjacent areas, summarized the distribution patterns and biogeographical breakers. We have also reviewed literature about the processes and drivers on coastal biogeographical breaks, to clarify the mechanisms acting to the northward shift of the biogeographical break. Results: The Yangtze (Changjiang) River Estuary Biogeographical Barrier (YREBB) at 30°–31°N, which serves as a coastal biogeographical boundary for the Cold Temperate Northwest Pacific Province and the Warm Temperate Northwest Pacific Province for marine species, has moved northward to ~33°–34°N due to the changes in habitat continuity, oceanographic circulation and climate factors. Consequently, a new biogeographic barrier for intertidal macrobenthos, the Subei Biogeographical Barrier (SBB) on the central coast of Jiangsu Province, has emerged. Main conclusions: The formation and maintenance of the SBB are closely related to the larval dispersal potential, larval settlement success and post‐settlement population establishment, all of which have been profoundly influenced by anthropogenic environmental changes. The northward shift of the YREBB and the appearance of the SBB provide an excellent model system for investigating the impacts of climate change and land‐use change on coastal biogeographic patterning and for clarifying the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of biogeographical barriers in the face of the unprecedented environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work on the US Atlantic coast has generally shown that coastal foredunes are dominated by two dune grass species, Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) and Uniola paniculata (sea oats). From Virginia northward, A. breviligulata dominates, while U. paniculata is the dominant grass south of Virginia. Previous work suggests that these grasses influence the shape of coastal foredunes in species-specific ways, and that they respond differently to environmental stressors; thus, it is important to know which species dominates a given dune system. The range boundaries of these two species remains unclear given the lack of comprehensive surveys. In an attempt to determine these boundaries, we conducted a literature survey of 98 studies that either stated the range limits and/or included field-based studies/observations of the two grass species.We then produced an interactive map that summarizes the locations of the surveyed papers and books. The literature review suggests that the current southern range limit for A. breviligulata is Cape Fear, NC, and the northern range limit for U. paniculata is Assateague Island, on the Maryland and Virginia border. Our data suggest a northward expansion of U. paniculata, possibly associated with warming trends observed near the northern range limit in Painter, VA. In contrast, the data regarding a range shift for A. breviligulata remain inconclusive. We also compare our literature-based map with geolocated records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and iNaturalist research grade crowd-sourced observations. We intend for our literature-based map to aid coastal researchers who are interested in the dynamics of these two species and the potential for their ranges to shift as a result of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently-observed increase in human activity in the Arctic accelerates the negative impact on the environment as well as increases the risk of threats to mankind itself. This paper reviews and summarises a selection of studies on the interaction between humans and the environment in the Arctic coastal zone, which is impacted by a warming climate and associated geohazards. The paper presents a general description of human presence in the Arctic, identifies and describes the processes that are threatening the infrastructure, and the anthropogenic processes that have a negative impact on the Arctic. It considers the possible future economic opportunities, and presents the sustainable requirements for modern human activity in the Arctic. The paper demonstrates the urgent need to develop a common, Arctic-wide strategy based on sustainable development. The time has come to change human perception of the Arctic because, in the near future, it may be considered as a refuge for climate change refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 25 to 27 April 2023, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) hosted again the Coasts, Marine Structures, and Breakwaters conference (CMSB)—or Breakwaters for short, as it is sometimes named—at the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth, UK. The CMSB conference series, held by the ICE for more than 30 years, is one of the leading international forums for the presentation of the latest developments in coastal and maritime engineering. Its previous edition, already the 11th conference in the series, took place in Liverpool from the 5 to 7 September 2017, and set the bar once again very high for its successor. The conference focused on the latest developments across maritime engineering topics from coasts to ports and waterfronts to breakwaters, while concentrating on the full spectrum of research, study, design, construction, and operations. In view of the ever-increasing attention on climate change, an additional spotlight was also placed on how resilience and adaptability are being addressed by the maritime sector. This communication reports on the 2023 CMSB conference, some of the insights and impressions gathered at the conference by the author, and the relevance of the presented material to the tackling of some of the important issues facing our coastal communities and broader environment today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses extreme precipitation characteristics of Turkey based on selected WMO climate change indices. The indices – monthly total rainy days (RDays); monthly maximum 1-day precipitation (Rx1day); simple precipitation intensity index (SDII); and monthly count of days when total precipitation (represented by PRCP) exceeds 10 mm (R10mm) – were calculated for 98 stations for the 38-year overlapping period (1975–2012). Cluster analysis was applied to evaluate the spatial characterisation of the annual precipitation extremes. Four extreme precipitation clusters were detected. Cluster 1 corresponds spatially to Central and Eastern Anatolia and is identified with the lowest values of the indices, except rainy days. Cluster 2 is concentrated mainly on the west and south of Anatolia, and especially the coastal zone, and can be characterised with the lowest rainy days, and high and moderate values of other indices. These two clusters are the most prominent classes throughout the country, and include a total of 82 stations. Cluster 3 is clearly located in the Black Sea coastal zone in the north, and has high and moderate index values. Two stations on the north-east coast of the Black Sea region are identified as Cluster 4, which exhibits the highest values among all indices. The overall results reveal that winter months and October have the highest proportion of precipitation extremes in Turkey. The north-east part of the Black Sea region and Mediterranean coastal area from the south-west to the south-east are prone to frequent extreme precipitation events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current and projected impacts of climate change make understanding the environmental and social vulnerability of coastal communities and the planning of adaptations important international goals and national policy initiatives. Yet, coastal communities are concurrently experiencing numerous other social, political, economic, demographic and environmental changes or stressors that also need to be considered and planned for simultaneously to maintain social and environmental sustainability. There are a number of methods and processes that have been used to study vulnerability and identify adaptive response strategies. This paper describes the stages, methods and results of a modified community-based scenario planning process that was used for vulnerability analysis and adaptation planning within the context of multiple interacting stressors in two coastal fishing communities in Thailand. The four stages of community-based scenario planning included: (1) identifying the problem and purpose of scenario planning; (2) exploring the system and types of change; (3) generating possible future scenarios; and (4) proposing and prioritizing adaptations. Results revealed local perspectives on social and environmental change, participant visions for their local community and the environment, and potential actions that will help communities to adapt to the changes that are occurring. Community-based scenario planning proved to have significant potential as an anticipatory action research process for incorporating multiple stressors into vulnerability analysis and adaptation planning. This paper reflects on the process and outcomes to provide insights and suggest changes for future applications of community-based scenario planning that will lead to more effective learning, innovation and action in communities and related social-ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam's coastal zone provides a diverse range of natural resources and favourable conditions for social and economic development. However, its coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable, due to several natural coastal hazards, over-exploitation and other human activities. In spite of diverse interventions, Vietnam's coastal zone continues to experience significant damage from floods, erosion and typhoons. These hazards are being intensified by climate change and associated rising sea levels. This paper assesses the potential vulnerability of Vietnam's coast to climate change and discusses possible adaptation policies and plan to reduce the impacts. GIS analysis was used for the assessment of coastal vulnerability. Related literature was reviewed to develop detailed understanding of coastal adaptation to climate change. Adaptation policies and plans were appraised to identify potential coastal adaptation policies and plans that could be adapted by Vietnam. It was identified that vulnerability of the coastal zone of Vietnam could not be attributed only to climatic factors, but also to the physical condition of the coastline. Much of Vietnam's coastline, particularly, areas around the Red River delta and the Mekong River have elevations below 1 m. These coastlines are largely developed and serve as economic centres of the country, which makes the coast more vulnerable to climate change and the rising sea level. The paper concluded that a non-structural approach (coastal buffer zones, building houses on stilts, storm warning systems, growing of flood-resistant crops and elevated storm shelters with medicine and food storage) could be used by Vietnam to adapt her low-lying coastline around the two deltas to climate change as this strategy enables vulnerable areas to be occupied for longer before eventual retreat. However, for these policies to be successful, it should be planned, implemented well in advance, monitored and evaluated over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verwaest, T.; Houthuys, R.; Roest, B.; Dan, S., and Montreuil, A.-L., 2020. A coastline perturbation caused by natural feeding from a shoreface-connected ridge (headland Sint-André, Belgium). In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 701-705. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper explains how a local seaward perturbation, headland Sint-André, in the straight sandy coastline of Belgium can persist for centuries. The diffusive longshore transport gradients on the beach are counterbalanced by a sediment supply from off-shore via a shoreface-connected ridge. A UNIBEST-CL+ 1D coastline model is set up to describe the genesis of this coastline feature. From the size and shape of the perturbation and taking into account the diffusivity caused by the longshore transport gradients, the average sand supply from offshore is estimated to be 55,000 m3/year and it is hindcasted that the connection of the ridge to the coastline occurred between 300 and 400 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation is defined as the planned or unplanned, reactive or anticipatory, successful or unsuccessful response of a system to a change in its environment. This paper examines the current status of adaptation to sea-level rise and climate change in the context of European coasts. Adaptation can greatly reduce the impact of sea-level rise (and other coastal changes), although it requires adjustment of coastal management policies to changing circumstances. Consequently, adaptation is a social, political, and economic process, rather than just a technical exercise, as it is often conceived. The Synthesis and Upscaling of sea-level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Studies project has shown that adaptation to sea-level rise is widely divergent among European countries. Crudely, four groups of countries were identified: 1. Those that do not worry about accelerated sea-level rise and should not as their coasts are not susceptible 2. Those that do not worry as they have more urgent problems 3. Those that do not worry but probably should 4. Those that do worry and have started to adapt At the European Union level, while coastal management is a focus, this effort is mainly targeted at today's problems. Hence, this paper suggests the need for a concerted effort to address adaptation in coastal zones across Europe. Sharing of experience among countries would facilitate this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joseph, D.; Liya, V.B.; Rojith, G.; Zacharia, P.U., and Grinson, G., 2019. Time series analysis of CMIP5 model and observed sea surface temperature anomaly along Indian coastal zones. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R.; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V.; Raghavan, R.; Alavandi, S.V., and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 239–247. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Analysis of the time series Sea Surface Temperature (SST) variations is a key element in understanding the climate change impacts on the phenology, trophodynamics, distribution, and catch of commercial marine fish species. As SST projections are mostly model dependent, the discrepancy in the model and observed values needs to be elucidated so as to derive accurate interpretations and conclusions. In this paper, the decadal and seasonal variations of SST anomaly over the four coastal zones of India were analysed. The selected period of the study is from 1968 to 2017 and the data obtained from the International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Sets (ICOADS) and Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM) was used. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) model data were used for comparison with the observed value. The linear trend of observed and modelled values was inferred using the least square method for four seasons. The seasonal variation of SST anomaly of observed data in four coastal zones of India reveals that Northeast zone exhibits the least trend of warming in all seasons, whereas Northwest zone shows the highest trend of warming. SST anomaly of the first decade in all zones exhibited negative values in all seasons, while last decade shows positive value, indicating warming trend. In other decades, no uniform SST trend for all seasons was observed. However, the Northeast zone is exceptional with negative anomaly during all decades. The warming trend was observed in all coasts for both model and observed values. The model and observed SST anomaly follows an almost similar trend, but with noticeable differences in values among both. Owing to the differences in the model and observed values, it could be emphasised that error corrections needs to be applied in futuristic SST projections and related studies of Indian fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Études Caribéennes is the property of Etudes Caribeennes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper asserts that three principal frameworks for climate change adaptation can be recognised in the literature: scenario-led (SL), vulnerability-led (VL) and decisioncentric (DC) frameworks. A criterion is developed to differentiate these frameworks in recent adaptation projects. The criterion features six key hallmarks as follows: (1) use of climate model information; (2) analysis of metrics/units; (3) socio-economic knowledge; (4) stakeholder engagement; (5) adaptation of implementation mechanisms; (6) tier of adaptation implementation. The paper then tests the validity of this approach using adaptation projects on the Suffolk coast, UK. Fourteen adaptation plans were identified in an online survey. They were analysed in relation to the hallmarks outlined above and assigned to an adaptation framework. The results show that while some adaptation plans are primarily SL, VL or DC, the majority are hybrid, showing a mixture of DC/VL and DC/SL characteristics. Interestingly, the SL/VL combination is not observed, perhaps because the DC framework is intermediate and attempts to overcome weaknesses of both SL and VL approaches. The majority (57 %) of adaptation projects generated a risk assessment or advice notes. Further development of this type of framework analysis would allow better guidance on approaches for organisations when implementing climate change adaptation initiatives, and other similar proactive long-term planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tombolos are ephemeral coastal landforms, which may form and disappear over short geological time periods. Thus, they are susceptible to marine processes. During the last decades, however, climate change and the subsequent sea level rise seems to have affected a large part of the world's coastlines. Tombolos are particularly prone to the imminent sea level rise. Many tombolos globally may disappear in the coming decades. Our work aims to quantify the susceptibility of the tombolos along the Greek coastline in relationship to the sea level rise. We mapped all Greek tombolos and created an online (and public) geodata base. For each tombolo, we measured its primary physiographical characteristics (e.g., length and width), and also its height above sea level. Based on that, we applied two scenarios proposed by the IPCC concerning the future sea level rise (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5), in order to check to what extent the Greek tombolos may disappear or face extreme erosion in the next few decades. Our results indicate that more than half of the Greek tombolos will be fully flooded and disappear in 100 years even under the optimistic scenario. Even those that remain will still face severe erosion problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical cyclone (TC) winds control design wind speeds for much of the eastern United States. Those winds are likely to intensify with climate change, but climate change was not considered in the ASCE 7-22 design wind speed maps, potentially causing many structures to be designed with unacceptably high levels of risk. In this study, we investigate (1) the increases in design wind speed due to climate change; and (2) the resulting risk to structures if climate change is not considered. We estimated the design wind speeds for US counties affected by TCs along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts using nonstationary methods based on a set of synthetic TCs (1,000–1,500 year simulations) downscaled from the latest global climate projections (CMIP6) for the high-emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5). It was found that over the 21st century, 50-year return period winds would increase by an average of around 10% along the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Depending on the risk category, design lifetime, and year of construction, design wind speeds (targeting lifetime exceedance probability) are projected to increase by an average of 3%–6% for all counties studied and 6%–15% for coastal counties. For Risk Category II–IV structures, depending on the design lifetime and year of construction, 8%–36% of all counties studied and 25%–66% of coastal counties would experience projected lifetime exceedance probabilities that were at least two risk categories too low; for example, in up to 26% of all counties studied and 54% of coastal counties, a Risk Category III structure would be effectively designed as Risk Category I or lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an existential threat to the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of the coastal zone and impacts will be complex and widespread. Evidence from California and across the United States shows that climate change is impacting coastal communities and challenging managers with a plethora of stressors already present. Widespread action could be taken that would sustain California's coastal ecosystems and communities. In this perspective, we highlight the main threat to coastal sustainability: the compound effects of episodic events amplified with ongoing climate change, which will present unprecedented challenges to the state. We present two key challenges for California's sustainability in the coastal zone: 1) accelerating sea-level rise combined with storm impacts, and 2) continued warming of the oceans and marine heatwaves. Cascading effects from these types of compounding events will occur within the context of an already stressed system that has experienced extensive alterations due to intensive development, resource extraction and harvesting, spatial containment, and other human use pressures. There are critical components that could be used to address these immediate concerns, including comanagement strategies that include diverse groups and organizations, strategic planning integrated across large areas, rapid implementation of solutions, and a cohesive and policy relevant research agenda for the California coast. Much of this has been started in the state, but the scale could be increased, and timelines accelerated. The ideas and information presented here are intended to help expand discussions to sharpen the focus on how to encourage sustainability of California's iconic coastal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water warming and nutrient pulses following extreme rainfall events, both consequences of climate change, may have a profound impact on the biogeochemical dynamics of large temperate rivers, such as the Po River (Northern Italy), affecting denitrification capacity and the delivery of N loads to terminal water bodies. Manipulative experiments on denitrification kinetics were carried out using dark laboratory incubations of intact sediment cores collected from the lower Po River. Denitrification was measured along temperature and NO3− concentration gradients using 15N additions, in summer and autumn, the two seasons when climate change-induced warming has been shown to be higher. The combination of increased temperatures and pulsed NO3−-enhanced denitrification, suggesting that electron acceptor availability limits the process. The direct link between climate change-induced effects and the positive response of denitrification may have implications for the improvement of water quality in the coastal zone, as it may help to partially buffer N export, especially in summer, when the risk of eutrophication is higher. Further research is needed to investigate the quality and quantity of sediment organic matter as important drivers regulating river denitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Kench, P.S.; Ryan, E.J.; Owen, S.; Bell, R.; Lawrence, J.; Glavovic, B.; Blackett, P.; Becker, J.; Schneider, P.; Allis, M.; Dickson, M., and Rennie, H.G. 2018. Co-creating resilience solutions to coastal hazards through an interdisciplinary research project in New Zealand, In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 1496–1500. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal communities ‘living at the edge’ face intensification and acceleration of coastal hazard risk in the face of climate change. Communities will need to be adaptive in reducing these risks now and over long timeframes. Developing coastal hazard adaptation pathways requires co-production of interdisciplinary knowledge between scientists, policy makers and communities. However, there remains little guidance and limited dialogue about the research practices and frameworks that underpin co-created research. In a first for New Zealand, a co-created research programme is underway titled ‘Living at the Edge’ that aims to improve the resilience of coastal communities to coastal hazards. This paper provides novel insights into the complexities underpinning the formative stages of co-created research, drawing on practical experience from the Living at the Edge project. We explore the enablers and shapers that led to co-created shifts in the research project objectives and framework. Notions of integration, trust, and flexibility are three fundamental aspects that influenced the early stages of co-creation. The importance of bridging interactions with actors early on in co-created projects is exemplified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Miura, H.; Ito, Y., and Suenaga, Y., 2018. Construction of Climate Change-Adapted Seaweed Beds on the Japanese Coast. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 391–395. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Japanese coastal seaweed beds are experiencing a long-term decline in area coverage in a phenomenon called isoyake, which has massively impacted the fisheries industry. Therefore, research has been performed on seaweed bed restoration. Consequent measures have been implemented along with the promulgation of relevant technology. Meanwhile, increasing seawater temperatures and other environmental changes associated with climate change, which is one of the causes of isoyake, are spreading globally and have become increasingly severe in recent years. With respect to methods of coping with the effects of climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report (2014) calls for “adaptation” to effects that have already occurred and unavoidable medium- and long-term effects. In this context, this paper discusses the present state of and future forecasts for seaweed beds on the Japanese coast, and it then considers the future trends of climate change-adapted seaweed bed construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efforts made to reduce the causes and mitigate the effects of global climate change continue to be critical in coastal areas. Many adaptation strategies implemented in coastal areas remain inadequate or ineffective. Using primarily events and interventions carried out along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, this work aims to show the paradigm shift that has occurred in Portugal since the last century (the 1990s) within the scope of the National Coastal Zone Management Strategy, taking into account the new guidelines for the implementation of coastal defence works. In this context, this paper also aims to assist coastal communities in carrying out operational coastal management by presenting and discussing management tools and primary options that should be considered in any adaptation programme that is to be implemented. Both nonstructural and structural measures are considered. Action plans, warning systems, emergency plans, and evacuation plans belong to the first category. Education and training are also considered, because they play a key role in the sustainability of coastal areas, especially in the coming generations. Structural measures are adaptation options that are designed to increase the safety of people and reduce risks. They are discussed and grouped into categories that include accommodation, protection, and retreat. Recent cases of successful accommodation and protection measures implemented along the Portuguese coast are also presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the spatial characteristics and duration of extreme wave events around the English coast. There are five geographic regions which are affected as coherent units under extreme wave conditions, incorporating a sixth micro-wave climate region (western Lyme Bay). Characteristic storm tracks are associated with each region. Storms affecting the East region (North Sea coast) seldom impact other areas of England, whilst in contrast, storms affecting the Southwest or Northwest also have some impact on the Southeast. Average storm duration varies from 5 h in the Northwest to 14 h on the East coast north of the Humber. Storm duration exceeding 12.5 h in the Southwest and East (northern half) near guarantees that storm waves will span High Water, when it is of most significance for beach management operations. Storms along the East coast can be associated with anticyclonic conditions, as well as low pressure systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Reviews is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For many climate change impacts such as drought and heat waves, global and national frameworks for climate services are providing ever more critical support to adaptation activities. Coastal zones are especially in need of climate services for adaptation, as they are increasingly threatened by sea level rise and its impacts, such as submergence, flooding, shoreline erosion, salinization and wetland change. In this paper, we examine how annual to multi-decadal sea level projections can be used within coastal climate services (CCS). To this end, we review the current state-of-the art of coastal climate services in the US, Australia and France, and identify lessons learned. More broadly, we also review current barriers in the development of CCS, and identify research and development efforts for overcoming barriers and facilitating their continued growth. The latter includes: (1) research in the field of sea level, coastal and adaptation science and (2) cross-cutting research in the area of user interactions, decision making, propagation of uncertainties and overall service architecture design. We suggest that standard approaches are required to translate relative sea level information into the forms required to inform the wide range of relevant decisions across coastal management, including coastal adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obraczka, M.; Beyeler, M.; Magrini, A., and Legey, L.F., 2017. Analysis of coastal environmental management practices in subregions of California and Brazil. Globally, human and natural systems in urban coasts face multiple threats, most importantly from climate change. Increasingly, subnational state and local governments are being forced to include climate change impacts into coastal planning and management. Urban coastal managers are looking to more transparent and integrated coastal and environmental management regimes to better address the multiple stressors and uses, as well as to integrate public and stakeholder participation, and maximize a broad range of community economic and environmental and ecosystem benefits. This research presents a case study of coastal and environment management systems in two important coastal regions: an urbanized area of the central coast of California, United States; and the rapidly urbanizing and developing coastal lowlands of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Similarities and differences in coastal environmental governance, management, and outcomes were identified and analyzed. The contrasting federalist governance structures are compared, and the coastal management and environment assessment systems in the case study locations are analyzed. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on subnational coastal environmental management systems through the review of previous relevant studies; the examination of historical primary and secondary source official reports; and the collection, analysis, and discussion of important qualitative and quantitative interviews and survey data. The study concludes that transparency and accessibility to the decision-making process are essential to the success of coastal environmental management in both locations, with benefits arising from the presence of public participation and trust. The successful integration of broad stakeholders and public awareness in California provides an example that could possibly be replicable in Rio de Janeiro to increase stakeholder participation in the decision-making processes. The paper concludes with recommendations for further studies of governance and management alternatives, and for extending and strengthening state and local capabilities of coastal environmental processes within integrated coastal environmental management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new methodology to map Italian coastal areas at risk of flooding is presented. This approach relies on detailed projections of the future sea level from a high-resolution, three-dimensional model of the Mediterranean Sea circulation, on the best available digital terrain model of the Italian coasts, and on the most advanced satellite-derived data of ground motion, provided by the European Ground Motion Service of Copernicus. To obtain a reliable understanding of coastal evolution, future sea level projections and estimates of the future vertical ground motion based on the currently available data were combined and spread over the digital terrain model, using a GIS-based approach specifically developed for this work. The coastal plains of Piombino-Follonica and Marina di Campo (Tuscany Region), Alghero-Fertilia (Sardinia), and Rome and Latina-Sabaudia (Lazio Region) were selected as test cases for the new approach. These coastal stretches are important for the ecosystems and the economic activities they host and are relatively stable areas from a geological point of view. Flood maps were constructed for these areas, for the reference periods 2010–2040, 2040–2070, and 2040–2099. Where possible, the new maps were compared with previous results, highlighting differences that are mainly due to the more refined and resolved sea-level projection and to the detailed Copernicus ground motion data. Coastal flooding was simulated by using the "bathtub" approach without considering the morphodynamic processes induced by waves and currents during the inundation process. The inundation zone was represented by the water level raised on a coastal DTM, selecting all vulnerable areas that were below the predicted new water level. Consequent risk was related to the exposed asset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sediment transport along a coastal zone of Thermaikos Bay and the interaction with the coastline were studied in the present research. This study concerns the greater basin of an existing breakwater, for which the sand transport during the time periods 1950–1968 and 2009–2017, before and after the construction of the breakwater, were examined. The breakwater led to sand accumulation behind it, causing the well-known phenomenon of salient. It was revealed that climate change, in terms of wind conditions, significantly affected sediment transport; more specifically, the sand transport during 2009–2017 not only decreased significantly, but also changed its direction, in relation to 1950–1968. Based on the information obtained, technical interventions are proposed for the interception of sediment transport and the consequent accumulation of sand behind the breakwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the nature and types of traditional and Indigenous knowledge systems used in the management of ocean (cold) and river (warm) flooding in some selected coastal rural communities in Nigeria. The study further identifies certain traditional and local engineering approaches to manage flood disasters at the community and household levels. Focus group discussion, participant observation methods, and anecdotal sources were used to collect data from the selected rural coastal communities in Nigeria. The data collected were context analyzed to provide information for the discussion. It was observed that the communities have undocumented knowledge of local meteorologies which are based on observation and traditional practices and belief systems. The Ilajes, Itshekiris and Ijaws who live in the study area have specific local meteorology that enable them to predict flooding in real time, and on a seasonal and long term basis. The lifestyle, tradition and religious belief systems of the rural coastal dwellers revolve around excess water management from the distributaries of river Niger and the Atlantic Ocean. The paper posited that a sustainable adaptation mechanism should take into considerations the local adaptation strategies with the view to modernizing them in the rural coastal communities in Nigeria and other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the major dimensions of climate change include increase in surface temperature, longer spells of droughts in significant portions of the world, associated higher evapotranspiration rates, and so on. It is therefore essential to comprehend the future possible scenario of climate change in terms of global warming. A high resolution limited area Regional Climate Model (RCM) can produce reasonably appropriate projections to be used for climate-scenario generation in country-scale. This paper features the development of future surface temperature projections for Bangladesh on monthly resolution for each year from 2011 to 2100 applying Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS), and it explains in detail the modeling processes including the model features, domain size selection, bias identification as well as construction of change field for the concerned climatic variable, in this case, surface temperature. PRECIS was run on a 50 km horizontal grid-spacing under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A1B scenario and it was found to perform reasonably well in simulating future surface temperature of Bangladesh. The linear regression between observed and model simulated results of monthly average temperatures, within the 30-year period from 1971 to 2000, gives a high correlation of 0.93. The applied change field in average annual temperature shows only 0.5 °C-1 °C deviation from the observed values over the period from 2005 to 2008. Eventually, from the projected average temperature change during the years 1971--2000, it is apparent that warming in Bangladesh prevails invariably every month, which might eventually result in an average annual increase of 4 °C by the year 2100. Calculated anomalies in country-average annual temperature mostly remain on the positive side throughout the period of 2071--2100 indicating an overall up-shift. Apart from these quantitative analyses of temporal changes of temperature, this paper also illustrates their spatial distribution with a view to identify the most vulnerable zones under consequent warming through future times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the changes in the long-term hydroclimatic conditions in the SE Baltic Sea, along the Lithuanian coast, on the basis of the monitoring data obtained within a 45-year period (1961-2005). Furthermore, the paper discusses the processes behind those changes. Time series of relevant data along the Lithuanian coast from previous centuries were used to investigate climatic variability and trends. The study finds an increased period of westerly winds during winter. During recent decades, the impact of global climate change on sea-level rise has drawn wide interest, since the coastline changes have ecological, economic, and social impacts on the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea. The analysis of the trends for the Lithuanian coastal zone found results similar to those obtained from global and regional analyses showing increasing sea levels today and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although storminess is often cited as a driver of long-term coastal erosion, a lack of suitable datasets has only allowed objective assessment of this claim in a handful of case studies. This reduces our ability to understand and predict how the coastline may respond to an increase in "storminess" as suggested by global and regional climate models. With focus on 16 km of the Sefton coastline bordering the eastern Irish Sea (UK), this paper analyses available measured datasets of water level, surge level, wave height, wind speed and barometric pressure with the objective of finding trends in metocean climate that are consistent with predictions. The paper then examines rates of change in shoreline position over the period 1894 to 2005 with the aim of establishing relationships with climatic variability using a range of measured and modelled metocean parameters (with time spans varying from two to eight decades). With the exception of the mean monthly wind speed, available metocean data do not indicate any statistically significant changes outside seasonal and decadal cycles. No clear relationship was found between changes in metocean conditions and rates of shoreline change along the Sefton coast. High interannual variability and the lack of long-term measurements make unambiguous correlations between climate change and shoreline evolution problematic. However, comparison between the North Atlantic Oscillation winter index (NAOw) and coastline changes suggest increased erosion at times of decreasing NAOw values and reduced erosion at times of increasing NAOw values. Erosion tends to be more pronounced when decreasing NAOw values lead to a strong negative NAO phase. At present, anthropogenic changes in the local sediment budget and the short-term impact of extreme events are still the largest threat likely to affect coastal flooding and erosion risk in the short- and medium-term. Nevertheless, the potential impacts of climate change in the long-term should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coherent approach to structuring reference units for coastal vulnerability analysis is often required for large-scale analyses of the coastal system. However, a review of existing spatial reference frameworks within vulnerability analyses demonstrates that our use of coastal space within large-scale models remains relatively poor. This paper examines a series of challenges to spatial modeling that have emerged from the development of a national to global impact tool, DIVA (Dynamic Interactive Vulnerability Assessment). The paper addresses how best to utilize the limited data to develop a reference framework for modeling vulnerability within the global coastal environment. It outlines the approach to spatial modeling that has been developed for use within the DIVA tool: segmenting the coastal zone into a series of relatively homogenous reference units at the scale of DIVA, based on the behavior of the physical, social, and economic systems within the zone. The importance of effective spatially defined models is emphasized within the paper. Encouraging greater spatial recognition and definition of the behavioral environment of the coast is critical to modeling space within the coastal system. By decreasing spatial uncertainties in the creation of reference units for vulnerability analysis, the accuracy of modeling within large-scale coastal environments can be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Coastal Research is the property of KnowledgeWorks Global, Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The socio-economic and "natural" systems are, to a variable extent, now locked in a coevolutionary path, characterized by a joint determinism and complex feedback effects. The management of the coastal zones, including also modeling and assessment measures, should, be reoriented over time to properly capture the causes and consequences of the joint system changes as manifested in the coastal areas. This will require a collaborative work among a range of economical, environmental and social science disciplines. The pressures and the high instability are similar between the coast and the sea, in both senses (from the land to the sea and also from the sea to the land), being given by various factors as the strong winds, waves, storms, open sea, currents, as well well also the variability of temperatures, salinity, density, due to the Danube impact, etc. The influence of the rivers discharging into the Black Sea is important, while the coastal erosion, flooding, urbanization, tourism, naval industry have an impact on the coast and the sea environment. The Marine Spatial Planning Directive is appropriate in Romania to put in practice the similar tools and practical approach from the coast to the maritime space. This paper aims to represent an useful starting point in the management of the coastal zones for both natural and social science research that would be seeked (by a more integrated modelling and assessment process) to better describe and understand the functioning of the ecosystems, that form the coastal interface and in particular the filter effect is exerted on nutrients in response to the environmental pressures, both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic - the climate change, land use/cover change, urbanization and effluent treatment from both point and non-point sources. For this it is necessary a broad analytical framework (rather than a specific model) in which to set a more detailed analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports conclude that for Australasia, without adaptation, further changes in climate, atmospheric CO2, sea-level rise and ocean acidity are projected to have substantial impacts on climate sensitive systems, sectors and populations. In the context of varying geographical, social, cultural and policy contexts, this paper reviews research contributions and activities concerning coastal adaptation to climate change in Aotearoa-New Zealand. It reflects on the insights derived from this emerging pool of scholarship and considers what lessons have been learned to help us address the future challenges of adaptation to climate change on our coasts and estuaries. In particular, future progress will require strong understanding of natural coastal systems, clearer national direction and guidance in balance with regional flexibility, and collaborative processes to help communities understand, implement and evaluate adaptation pathways for a sustainable and resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]