Document of bibliographic reference 130750

BibliographicReference record

Type
Bibliographic resource
Type of document
Journal article
BibLvlCode
AS
Title
Potential implications of sea-level rise for Belgium
Abstract
The Belgian coastal plain and the Schelde estuary are threatened by sea-level rise. While of great economic importance with a threatened population of some 0.8 million (of a total population of 10 million), assessments of these risks are limited. This article describes the physical characteristics of the coast and undertakes a qualitative interpretation of its vulnerability. Low-lying polders are the most vulnerable to sea-level rise where a major problem is water drainage during rainy periods; their varying vulnerability to sea-level rise and increase in rain intensity is assessed, including the relationship between drainage levels and saltwater seepage. Freshwater lenses developed within the dunes are also vulnerable to sea-level rise, leading to threats to drinking water supplies from saltwater intrusion. Belgian coastal defence structures and their effectiveness are discussed. Historical sea-level rise during the past century, wave and wind data, and the evolution of erosion and accretion along the coast are interpreted. For Antwerpen, a harbour city on the river Schelde, the effects of sea-level rise are far from clear. Included here are historical data on changes in tidal amplitude during the 20th century. Future research needs should focus on the quantitative interpretation of data to understand the effect of sea-level rise on beach erosion, flood risk, and fresh and salt groundwater distribution.
Furthermore, a thorough socio-economic study should be undertaken to assess the vulnerability of the Belgian coast and the Schelde estuary.
WebOfScience code
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000254408100008
Bibliographic citation
Lebbe, L.; Van Meir, N.; Viaene, P. (2008). Potential implications of sea-level rise for Belgium. J. Coast. Res. 24(2): 358-366. https://dx.doi.org/10.2112/07A-0009.1
location created
Krijgslaan 281 (S8)
Topic
Marine
Is peer reviewed
true
Access rights
open access
Is accessible for free
true

Authors

author
Name
Luc Lebbe
Affiliation
Universiteit Gent; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Vakgroep Geologie; Laboratorium voor Toegepaste Geologie en Hydrogeologie
author
Name
Nathalie Van Meir
Affiliation
Universiteit Gent; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Vakgroep Geologie; Laboratorium voor Toegepaste Geologie en Hydrogeologie
author
Name
Peter Viaene
Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7137-9175
Affiliation
Vlaamse overheid; Beleidsdomein Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken; Vlaams Ministerie Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken; Departement Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken; Waterbouwkundig Laboratorium

Links

referenced creativework
type
DOI
accessURL
https://dx.doi.org/10.2112/07A-0009.1

thesaurus terms

term
Coast defences (term code: 1623 - defined in term set: ASFA Thesaurus List)
Coastal plains (term code: 73029 - defined in term set: CSA Technology Research Database Master Thesaurus)
Flood control (term code: 3324 - defined in term set: ASFA Thesaurus List)
Implication (term code: 80473 - defined in term set: CSA Technology Research Database Master Thesaurus)
Salt water intrusion (term code: 53610 - defined in term set: CSA Technology Research Database Master Thesaurus)
Sea level changes (term code: 7263 - defined in term set: ASFA Thesaurus List)
Vulnerability assessment (term code: 102863 - defined in term set: Transportation Research Thesaurus)

geographic terms

geographic terms associated with this publication
ANE, Belgium, Belgian Coast

Document metadata

date created
2009-02-18
date modified
2024-10-25