Tools and methodologies for dealing with coastal retreat due to SLR

Abstract

Sea level rise constitutes a serious threat to countries whose coastal areas have high population densities. However, it should be noted that sea-level rise is not the only cause of increased vulnerability. Other factors, such as storms, wave climate, and the lack of sediments supply to the coast imply a current need for more appropriate strategies and major adaptation measures. This is the case of Portugal, where two-thirds of the population currently lives less than 50 km from the coastline. This work presents a discussion on the applicability of approaches based on equilibrium beach profiles for estimation of retreat, using beach profile measurements at two different locations of the Portuguese coast. A sound methodology to face the actual threats to the Portuguese coast is also suggested. This methodology is mainly based on coastal monitoring and available morphodynamic modelling tools.