The use of LIDAR data for mapping coastal flooding hazard related to storms in Cádiz Bay (SW Spain)

• Published in: Journal of coastal research Vol. SI; no. 64; pp. 1881 - 1885
• Main Authors: RAJI, O., DEL RÍO, L., GRACIA, F.J., BENAVENTE, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fort Lauderdale COASTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. [CERF] 01.01.2011; Allen Press Inc
• Subjects: Coastal; Coastal zone; Coastal zone management; Ecology; Environmental risk; Flood hazards; Flooding; Floods; Geomorphology; Impact of Extreme Storms; Inundation; Land use planning; Lidar; Management; Risk management; Storm surges; Storms; ANE, Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz; ANE, Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz, Sancti Petri; ANE, Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz, Cadiz Bay; Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz
• ISSN: 0749-0208; 1551-5036

Cortadura and Sancti Petri spit-barriers (Bay of Cádiz) have an important ecological and socioeconomic interest; however, geomorphological and hydrodynamic characteristics make this area vulnerable to coastal flooding related to storms. This paper presents a method for the evaluation of coastal flooding induced by storm surges in this area, based on the combination of a theoretical inundation level with high resolution topographic information derived from a LIDAR survey, by using GIS tools. The inundation maps resulting from this study have allowed the identification and quantification of the surface of the areas at risk of flooding and have demonstrated the major role of dune ridges as a natural protective barrier against these events. This information may have direct application in land use planning and management in coastal areas, both in the short and long term, and can assist decision-makers in the implementation of preventive management strategies in the most sensitive areas.