Simplified model to estimate impact on coastal water resources and loss of shore line land due to climate change and sea level rise

Abstract

This paper presents a review of past to current observations in the study of climate change and sea-level rise. It appraised the relationship between climate change and sea-level rise, and other drivers on the climate system and factors contributing to sea-level rise. It also highlighting various impacts of climate change and sea-level rise and suggesting short to long term strategies for effective coastal management.A model was developed to provide an estimation of present sea-level rise invariably indicating how much land is lost and how much effect it will have on the water table and rivers especially in coastal areas where there is no data available. To obtain these estimates, numerical modelling was carried out using parameters selected during the study. These parameters with the help of a conversion table produced initial data which were then applied to available Wellington region data for scenarios of 0.5m, 1.0m and 1.5m sea-level rise. Model testing was carried out to measure loss of land and effect of on water table, and satisfactory results were obtained and presented here in. This model hopes to aid in the decision making process of what adaptation methods to employ or implement in certain coastal areas.