A coastal vulnerability and environmental risk assessment of Loughor Estuary, South Wales

Abstract

An environmental risk assessment of the Loughor Estuary northern shoreline, in South Wales was carried out by adapting a previously developed Coastal Vulnerability Index). It was established utilising readily available physical parameters to determine vulnerabilities without the need for expert technical interpretation. The Coastal Vulnerability Index was used to determine vulnerability and to assess mesoscale applicability and simplicity of use for an estuarine environment. Assessments identified that the most critical physical parameters affecting vulnerability along this shoreline were coastal slope and beach width. Results highlighted that this shoreline was vulnerable and that a significant percentage of residential housing, transport and energy supply infrastructure are located in highly vulnerable areas. It was also noted that there is a concentration of future re-development sites in similarly vulnerable locations. The Coastal Vulnerability Index can be adapted depending on type of coastal environment and used as a planning tool to establish risk and vulnerability. This work demonstrates that the methodology can be adjusted for estuarine or coastal environments at local or regional scales, and can be used to justify in-depth studies for coastal defence.