GIS Models for Vulnerability of Coastal Erosion Assessment in a Tropical Protected Area

Luís Russo Vieira,Isabel Marques Da Silva,Fernando Morgado,José Guilherme Vieira,Edison Barbieri

doi:10.3390/ijgi10090598

Abstract

Coastal erosion is considered a major worldwide challenge. The vulnerability assessment of coastal areas, in relation to climate change, is a key topic of worldwide increasing interest. The integration of methodologies supported by Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and in situ monitoring has allowed a viable identification of vulnerable areas to erosion. In the present study, a model was proposed to the assessment of the estuarine system of Cananéia-Iguape (Brazil), by applying the evaluation and prediction of vulnerability models for the conservation and preservation of mangroves. Approximately 1221 Km2 were classified, with 16% of the total presenting high and very high vulnerability to erosion. Other relevant aspects, were the identification and georeferencing sites that showed strong evidence of erosion and, thus, having a huge influence on the final vulnerability scores. The obtained results led to the development of a multidisciplinary approach through the application of a prediction and description model that resulted from the adaptation of the study system from a set of implemented models for coastal regions, in order to contribute to the erosion vulnerability assessment in the mangroves ecosystems (and associated localities, municipalities and communities).

Highlights

Coastal erosion is becoming an increasingly severe problem for worldwide coastal ecosystems, derived from coupled impacts of climate change, through sea-level rise, and intensified anthropogenic activities
Due to the potential future changes that could occur with regards to human interference, and increased storm occurrence/severity, sea-level rise, and wave climate as a result of climate change [1,2] any prediction about future coastal erosion rates as they vary across locations is problematic
1220 km2 of the study area were evaluated towards the vulnerability to coastal erosion; the integrated table in the Figure 3. demonstrated the vulnerability associated with each area

Summary

Introduction

Coastal erosion is becoming an increasingly severe problem for worldwide coastal ecosystems, derived from coupled impacts of climate change, through sea-level rise, and intensified anthropogenic activities. Coastal erosion takes place mainly during strong winds, high waves and high tides and storm surge conditions, and results in coastline retreat and loss of land. Due to the potential future changes that could occur with regards to human interference, and increased storm occurrence/severity, sea-level rise, and wave climate as a result of climate change [1,2] any prediction about future coastal erosion rates as they vary across locations is problematic. (vi) loss of landscape value; (vii) severe damage to socio-economic activities; (viii) an on the recovery of coastal areas [6,7,8]. Managing coastal erosion under climate change is a major need for reliable projections of shoreline change across time scales up to multidecadal and centennial [5]

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Conclusion