The sensitivity of a dike-marsh system to sea-level rise-a model-based exploration

Marijnissen, Richard; Kok, M.; Kroeze, Carolien; van Loon-Steensma, J.M.

doi:10.3390/JMSE8010042

The sensitivity of a dike-marsh system to sea-level rise-a model-based exploration

Title

The sensitivity of a dike-marsh system to sea-level rise-a model-based exploration

Author

Marijnissen, Richard (Wageningen University & Research)
Kok, M. (TU Delft Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk; HKV Lijn in Water)
Kroeze, Carolien (Wageningen University & Research)
van Loon-Steensma, J.M. (TU Delft Coastal Engineering; Wageningen University & Research)

Date

2020

Abstract

Integrating natural components in flood defence infrastructure can add resilience to sea-level rise. Natural foreshores can keep pace with sea-level rise by accumulating sediment and attenuate waves before reaching the adjacent flood defences. In this study we address how natural foreshores affect the future need for dike heightening. A simplified model of vertical marsh accretion was combined with a wave model and a probabilistic evaluation of dike failure by overtopping. The sensitivity of a marsh-dike system was evaluated in relation to a combination of processes: (1) sea-level rise, (2) changes in sediment concentration, (3) a retreat of the marsh edge, and (4) compaction of the marsh. Results indicate that foreshore processes considerably affect the need for dike heightening in the future. At a low sea-level rise rate, the marshes can accrete such that dike heightening is partially mitigated. But with sea-level rise accelerating, a threshold is reached where dike heightening needs to compensate for the loss of marshes, and for increasing water levels. The level of the threshold depends mostly on the delivery of sediment and degree of compaction on the marsh; with sufficient width of the marsh, lateral erosion only has a minor effect. The study shows how processes and practices that hamper or enhance marsh development today exacerbate or alleviate the challenge of flood protection posed by accelerated sea-level rise.

Subject

Climate adaptation
Flood protection
Salt marsh

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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:0b9fdd63-d473-4dfb-acd2-a74882d36b7b

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3390/JMSE8010042

ISSN

2077-1312

Source

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 8 (1)

Part of collection

Institutional Repository