Coastal Impacts Driven by Sea-Level Rise in Cartagena de Indias

Journal article (2019)

Authors

Andres F. Orejarena-Rondon Universidad del Norte
Marta Marcos University of the Balearic Islands
Luis Otero Universidad del Norte
Juan C. Restrepo Universidad del Norte
Ismael Hernandez-Carrasco University of the Balearic Islands
Alejandro Orfila University of the Balearic Islands
Copyright: © 2019 Andres F. Orejarena-Rondon, J.M. Sayol España, Marta Marcos, Luis Otero, Juan C. Restrepo, Ismael Hernandez-Carrasco, Alejandro Orfila
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00614
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Abstract

This work analyzes the coastal impacts of the combined effect of extreme waves and sea level extremes, including surges and projected mean sea level rise in Bocagrande, Cartagena (Colombia). Extreme waves are assessed from a wave reanalysis that are propagated from deep waters to the beach considering the hydrodynamic processes and taking into account the interaction between waves and the coastal elevation within the study area. First, we consider present sea level, storm surges and waves affecting the area. Next, we analyze the effect of sea level rise according to a moderate (RCP4.5) climate change scenario for the 21st century (years 2025, 2050, 2075, and 2100). The most pessimistic scenario (year 2100) yields a percentage of flooded area of 97.2%, thus revealing the major threat that represents sea level rise for coastal areas in the
Caribbean Sea.