Vulnerability assessment of combined impacts of sea level rise and coastal flooding for China's coastal region using remote sensing and GIS

Abstract

China's coastal region is physically and socio-economically vulnerable to accelerated sea-level rise and associated coastal flooding because of its low topography, highly developed economy and highly-dense population. In this study, we present a scenario of sea level rise and storm surge flooding along the China's coastal region over the next century and apply them to a digital elevation model (DEM) which acquired by the shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) to illustrate the extent and spatial distribution to which coastal areas are susceptible to permanent inundation and episodic flooding due to storm events. To perform flood scenario analysis and vulnerability assessment, a method for producing several sets of data was implemented by combining remote sensing processing, the use of grid-based socio-economic data, and subsequent analysis using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This analysis shows that inundation and coastal flooding will mainly occur in the major delta without the protection of dike systems. However, due to the concentration of population and economic activities in China's coastal region, societal and economic consequences of continued sea-level rise would be substantial. Finally, some suggestions are presented for decision-makers, and other concerned stakeholders to develop appropriate public policies and mitigation measures.