Assessing Beach Vulnerability on a Barrier Island Using Downscaling Techniques

What is it about?

This study presents a downscaling approach to analyze wave-induced extreme water levels and assess beach vulnerability on a barrier island in Yucatán, Mexico. The approach combines wave hindcast data, numerical models, and parameterization techniques to estimate wave run-up and reconstruct long-term time series. The findings demonstrate the dependency of run-up on wave characteristics and tidal levels, offering insights into beach vulnerability and the potential impact of extreme water levels.

Featured Image

Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Understanding and assessing beach vulnerability to extreme water levels is crucial for coastal management, urban planning, and disaster preparedness. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of wave-induced run-up on a barrier island, allowing for a more accurate assessment of potential risks and the development of appropriate coastal adaptation strategies. The downscaling approach and parameterization techniques can be applied to other locations, enhancing our understanding of coastal processes and improving coastal hazard assessments.

Perspectives