3.3.3

Coastal Flooding

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Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding poses a risk to millions of people today because many continue to live near coastlines for recreation and employment purposes. Low-lying coasts are at risk of flooding from local factors and global rises in sea levels.

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Example: the Maldives

  • In the Maldives, the removal of Mangroves is leading to an increased risk of flooding with increased wave height and less stable cliffs.
  • This is because there's a lack of roots in the soil.
  • Several factors, such as waste disposal and logging, have caused the soil to lack roots.
  • The disturbance and removal of the Mangroves is leading to increased wave energy and height. This is because the trees would normally act as a barrier, helping to dissipate the wave’s energy before it reaches land.
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Example: Bangladesh

  • In Bangladesh, storm surges threaten the lives of those living near the coast.
  • The rate of coastal erosion is expected to increase in the future if storm surge events continue to rise.
  • The risk associated with storm surges in the Bay of Bengal is because Bangladesh is so low-lying.
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Impacts of climate change

  • Climate change is changing the frequency and intensity of low-pressure depressions and tropical storms.
  • Rising global temperatures are causing our oceans to warm, triggering these low-pressure systems.
  • This increases the risk of coastal flooding and creates unusual weather conditions.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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