Coastal inundation scenarios in the north-eastern sector of the Island of Gozo (Malta, Mediterranean Sea) as a response to sea level rise

Abstract

ABSTRACT According to the most recent scenarios, sea level is expected to keep rising during the next decades because of global warming. In this context, coastal areas are highly vulnerable to marine and climate-related processes, such as erosion and inundation. Such processes are expected to cause shoreline retreat and local morphological variations with consequent loss in natural ecosystems, exploitable coastal land, and significant socio-economic impacts. This paper aims at outlining future scenarios of potential coastal inundation along the NE coastal sector of the Island of Gozo (Malta). The study assessed expected coastline positions for the investigated coastal stretch by analysing high-resolution topographic data coupled with sea level projections for the years 2050 and 2100, accounting also for the contribution of storm surges. Results are expected to sensitize local authorities and communities about potential threats derived from sea level rise that could affect coastal areas in the near future.