Coastal flood analysis and visualisation for a small town

• Published in: Ocean & coastal management Vol. 116; pp. 237 - 247
• Main Authors: Wadey, Matthew P., Cope, Samantha N., Nicholls, Robert J., McHugh, Karen, Grewcock, Gareth, Mason, Travis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2015
• Subjects: 2013/14 storms; Climate adaptation; Coastal flooding; Coastal zone management; English channel; Extreme sea levels; Flood resilience; Global warming; Inundation modelling; Marine; Sea-level rise; Stakeholder engagement; Storm surge; Storms; Threats; United Kingdom; Coastal flooding; English channel; Inundation modelling; Flood resilience; 2013/14 storms; Climate adaptation; Storm surge; Extreme sea levels; Sea-level rise; Stakeholder engagement
• ISSN: 0964-5691; 1873-524X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2015.07.028

Extreme sea levels and floods are a widespread threat to coastal communities, and sea-level rise is increasing the probability of such events. This paper describes how inundation modelling was used to engage local stakeholders about climate change and adaptation, for a town (Yarmouth) on the UK south coast. This included a participatory visualisation exercise using three extreme sea level scenarios, informed by a recent flood event. Further analysis, informed by the repeated floods during the 2013/14 storm surge season, placed these scenarios in a broader perspective across a range of events. Results indicate that coastal flooding may become a significant issue during this century due to sea-level rise, unless there is adaptation. These methods engaged the interest of the community, and this paper presents practical considerations for future studies. A similar approach could be applied widely at the community level and form an important component of coastal flood management, including planning responses to sea-level rise. •Describes part of a climate change engagement project to inform adaptation to sea-level rise.•Integration of community-led scenarios for coastal flood event modelling and 3D visualisation.•Scenarios were extended following extreme storm surges observed during the UK's winter of 2013/14.•Results show markedly increased flood impacts with only moderate scenarios of 21st century SLR.•Generic recommendations for future projects.