Addressing climate extremes in Coastal Management: The case of the Uruguayan coast of the Rio de la Plata System

Abstract

This paper deals with current storm surges (extremes) in the Uruguayan coast of the Rio de la Plata system (Argen- tina-Uruguay), a large (38,000 km 2 ) microtidal ( 10 cm) related to them. The existence of differences in the monthly distribution of both MSL and extremes occurrence suggest that both wind climate and river inflow (Q RP ) explain them. The most severe extremes (≥ 350 cm) at Montevideo have occurred before 1935. The frequency of events ≥200, 250 and 280 cm has slightly increased over 2003-2012, which is not attributed neither to SLR nor to increased inflow, but to wind regime changes. Two extreme events (March 1998 and August 2005) are presented which serve to enhance our understanding of the causality and timing of extremes and as analogues to developing scenarios under a changing climate. Some impacts are as follows: coastal stormwater and sewage systems become useless affecting beach quality, artisanal fisheries income is reduced, and sandy beaches and bars are eroded. Among the several obstacles to achieving a comprehensive ICZM in regards to extreme events is the lack of an ef- fective monitoring network. This paper aims to increase awareness, research and application of the knowledge of extreme events on ICZM and risk-management in the face of SLR and flooding.