A system for the management of sandy shorelines under climate change: United States Virgin Islands (USVI).
Ambio
; 53(3): 406-420, 2024 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38036753
ABSTRACT
A methodological framework is presented for the assessment of beach vulnerability to climate variability and change on small touristic islands. Based on the development of a coastal vulnerability index (CVI) fueled by open-source Earth Observations and social media information, it includes both physical and socio-economic characteristics of the shoreline. In a pilot study in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVIs), most beaches were found to be vulnerable to erosion. The CVI was utilized to rank the most likely vulnerable beaches, which were then studied using historic geomorphologic data; these beaches were confirmed to be predominantly eroding. Significant erosion is projected as sea levels rise; for example, by 2050 under the RCP8.5 scenario, more than 50% of the 30 most vulnerable USVI beaches will erode by 50-100% of their current maximum width. The framework is designed to be used in vulnerable coastal settings that have limited financial and human resources.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Mudança Climática
/
Ecossistema
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Caribe
/
Caribe ingles
/
Islas virgenes de los estados unidos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ambio
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Grécia