Characterization of Risks in Coastal Zones: A Review

Abstract

Interest in sustainable development for the natural, socio‐economic, and cultural resources of coastal zones is growing worldwide. On the other hand, the range of threats to coastal zones increasingly posed by hydro‐meteorological natural phenomena has led to a trend in the analysis and assessment of risks to these areas. The available literature dealing with coastal risk assessment is quite wide, focusing mainly on the risk evaluation of coastal flooding and erosion resulting directly from the occurrence of extreme natural events. The risk assessment methodologies are usually specific to the conditions and available data of each country, society or location, though most have evolved to assess the risk concept more precisely and rigorously. However, there are still very few studies that present feasible and effective methodologies, which lead to the effective integration of risk analysis at all levels. In Mexico coastal risk analysis has barely begun despite our extensive coastline, which is highly vulnerable to the threat of tropical cyclones. This paper aims to give a broad view of the risk assessment methodologies which already exist, in order to provide a starting point for future efforts in Mexico and elsewhere.

A Framework to Manage Coastal Squeeze

“…Quantifying coastal squeeze through the DESCR framework can be integrated into existing methodologies, such as the source-pathway-receptor-consequences [15,60]. This would have the additional advantages of explicitly considering uncertainties from diverse sources and improving risk management.…”

Response of a fringing reef coastline to the direct impact of a tropical cyclone

“…The coastal impacts of tropical cyclones (TCs), namely erosion, flooding, and habitat destruction, have been well documented globally (Castillo et al 2012;Woodruff et al 2013). Existing studies of TC impacts on coral reef-fringed coastlines have primarily focused on the impact to the coral communities (Harmelin-Vivien 1994), the hydrodynamic *Correspondence: michael.cuttler@uwa.edu.au Author Contribution Statement: MVWC collected and analyzed the field data, developed and analyzed the numerical model, and wrote the manuscript.…”

“…The results indicate that this erosion was due to locally generated wind waves within the lagoon rather than the offshore waves that were dissipated on the reef crest. A comparison of these volume changes to observations of tropical cyclone impacts along exposed sandy beaches quantitatively demonstrates the substantial coastal protection reefs can provide against extreme storms.The coastal impacts of tropical cyclones (TCs), namely erosion, flooding, and habitat destruction, have been well documented globally (Castillo et al 2012;Woodruff et al 2013). Existing studies of TC impacts on coral reef-fringed coastlines have primarily focused on the impact to the coral communities (Harmelin-Vivien 1994), the hydrodynamic *Correspondence: michael.cuttler@uwa.edu.au Author Contribution Statement: MVWC collected and analyzed the field data, developed and analyzed the numerical model, and wrote the manuscript.…”

“…The coastal impacts of tropical cyclones (TCs), namely erosion, flooding, and habitat destruction, have been well documented globally (Castillo et al 2012;Woodruff et al 2013). Existing studies of TC impacts on coral reef-fringed coastlines have primarily focused on the impact to the coral communities (Harmelin-Vivien 1994), the hydrodynamic…”

Assessing potential coastal flood exposure along the Port-Bouët Bay in Côte d’Ivoire using the enhanced bathtub model

“…Coastal zones are dynamic and valuable ecosystems that provide numerous opportunities for human development (Castillo et al 2012, Lakshmi, 2012 . They offer important economic benefits such as fisheries, shipping, tourism, and have significant cultural and recreational values.…”