Key Coastal Hazards to Know for Coastal Resilience Engineering

Coastal hazards pose significant threats to communities and ecosystems, driven by climate change and natural events. Understanding these risks is essential for developing effective engineering solutions that enhance resilience and protect coastal areas from flooding, erosion, and other impacts.

1. Sea level rise

   • Caused primarily by climate change, leading to thermal expansion of water and melting ice sheets.
   • Increases the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, threatening infrastructure and ecosystems.
   • Projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, necessitating adaptive engineering solutions.

2. Storm surge

   • A rise in sea level due to atmospheric pressure changes and high winds during storms.
   • Can lead to severe coastal flooding, especially when coinciding with high tides.
   • Requires effective forecasting and resilient infrastructure to mitigate impacts.

3. Coastal erosion

   • The process of shoreline retreat due to wave action, currents, and rising sea levels.
   • Results in loss of land, damage to property, and habitat destruction.
   • Engineering solutions like seawalls and beach nourishment can help manage erosion.

4. Flooding

   • Occurs when water inundates land that is normally dry, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall or storm surges.
   • Can lead to significant economic losses, health risks, and displacement of communities.
   • Requires comprehensive flood management strategies, including drainage systems and floodplain zoning.

5. Tsunamis

   • Large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.
   • Can inundate coastal areas with little warning, causing catastrophic damage.
   • Early warning systems and evacuation plans are critical for minimizing loss of life and property.

6. Hurricanes and tropical cyclones

   • Intense storms characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, often leading to storm surges and flooding.
   • Can cause widespread destruction to infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities.
   • Resilience planning includes building codes, emergency response strategies, and public awareness campaigns.

7. Saltwater intrusion

   • The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, often due to rising sea levels and over-extraction of groundwater.
   • Affects drinking water supplies and agricultural productivity.
   • Requires management practices to protect freshwater resources and maintain coastal ecosystems.

8. Coastal subsidence

   • The gradual sinking of land due to natural processes or human activities, such as groundwater extraction.
   • Can exacerbate the effects of sea level rise and increase flooding risks.
   • Monitoring and adaptive management are essential to address subsidence issues.

9. Extreme wave events

   • Unusually high waves caused by storms, strong winds, or seismic activity.
   • Can lead to coastal flooding, erosion, and damage to coastal infrastructure.
   • Understanding wave dynamics is crucial for designing resilient coastal structures.

10. Harmful algal blooms

    • Rapid growth of algae that can produce toxins harmful to marine life and human health.
    • Often triggered by nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and wastewater.
    • Monitoring and management strategies are necessary to mitigate the impacts on coastal ecosystems and fisheries.