Potential impact of sea level rise on the geomorphology of Kuwait state coastline

Abstract

Sea level rise (SLR) is one of the most severe risks threatening coastal zones all over the world. In Kuwait, coastal areas accommodate about 90% of the total population and most of the urban area. Thus, SLR is expected to have significant impacts on Kuwaiti coastal areas, which may lead to changes in their ecosystems and the geomorphological units in the coastal area. This paper aims to assess the impacts of SLR on the geomorphology of the Kuwaiti coastline under two different scenarios of SLR: an integrated analysis model involving a variety of methods and a composite vulnerability index integrating five criteria. The results revealed that about 58% of the total coastal area is susceptible to inundation under 1- and 2-m SLR scenario, whereas 8.3% of Kuwaiti coastal areas have moderate to high vulnerability levels. Moreover, it was found that SLR may have significant implications for some Kuwaiti coastal areas including expanding sabkhas areas, shoreline retreat, changing coastal hydrodynamics, and erosion patterns and accelerated weathering process. To avoid such potential impacts, it is essential to develop a national strategy for adaptation to SLR impact and mainstreaming adaptation into development plans.