ADVANCES IN THE APPLICATION OF DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS (DEMS) FOR THE EVALUATION OF COASTAL FLOODING

AVANÇOS NA APLICAÇÃO DE MODELOS DIGITAIS DE ELEVAÇÃO (MDES) PARA AVALIAÇÃO DE INUNDAÇÕES COSTEIRAS

AVANCES EN LA APLICACIÓN DE MODELOS DIGITALES DE ELEVACIÓN (MDES) PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DE INUNDACIONES COSTERAS

Abstract

Meteoceanographic forces act daily, provoking rapid changes in coastal geomorphology and impacting the human infrastructure located near the sea, principally on low-lying coasts. The current ongoing rise in sea level provoked by climate change is also a major source of concern for local and regional authorities. Geospatial models of coastal flooding are evolving rapidly, together with geomorphometric tools and their applications. These initiatives may permit the implementation of medium-and long term actions to minimize the effects of flooding, although a range of methodological considerations must be taken into account. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) have become increasingly more accurate due to the integration of altimetric references and vertical data, as well as the increasing quality of the sensors used. For example, the application of the bathtub approach to coastal flooding assessment has been relatively successful. The choice of the flood model should include the careful selection of methods that ensure the most adequate application of the model.

Keywords:
Geomorphometry; Low-Lying Coastal Areas; Coastal Surveying; Remote Sensing