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Narrative Review | Geosciences and Environment | Guyana | Volume 13 Issue 3, March 2024
A Review of the Risks Associated with Accelerated Sea Level Rise - Induced Hydro - Geomorphism
Linda Johnson - Bhola
Abstract: Records showed that over the last 100 years, global sea level has risen gradually, especially due to thermal expansion and melting ice caps in glacial regions. Sea level has risen since the late 19th century, while it increased in 1993 - 2009 and the greater part of the 20th century. The 2021 projection sets sea level rise above the 1993 level. These scenarios are a clear indication that sea levels are accelerating globally at rates that could be problematic for human settlement and coastal environments. The aim of this study is to illustrate how accelerated sea level rise (ASLR) - induced hydro - geomorphic processes present risks at different levels in various parts of the world and to explain the utility of spatial technologies in assessing the risks posed to coastal environments by this phenomenon. The methodology used involved an in - depth analysis of selected reports and refereed journal articles on ASLR, the potential risks it poses to low - lying coastland and ecosystems and spatial tools and models used to provide a better understanding of its contribution to physical changes in coastal environments. A survey of the literature and analysis of selected documents showed that various hydro - geomorphic parameters, such as increased tidal ranges and prisms which become accentuated during ASLR, alter sediment transport patterns and change coastlands shorelines. It also revealed that ASLR has implications not only for shorelines and low - lying coastlands which become inundated as a consequence of increased shoreline erosion and destruction of protective coastal vegetation during storm events but also human habitation. The review showed that the processes are better understood when a combination of spatial technologies and modelling, such as Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), Delft3D modelling and 3D and 4D hydrodynamic modelling, is applied.
Keywords: Accelerated sea level rise, hydro - geomorphic processes, spatial technologies and modelling
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 3, March 2024,
Pages: 1790 - 1798