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28 pages, 11519 KiB  
Article
Identifying Sustainable Offshore Wind Farm Sites in Greece Under Climate Change
by Vasiliki I. Chalastani, Elissavet Feloni, Carlos M. Duarte and Vasiliki K. Tsoukala
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081508 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Wind power has gained attention as a vital renewable energy source capable of reducing emissions and serving as an effective alternative to fossil fuels. Floating wind farms could significantly enhance the energy capacities of Mediterranean countries. However, location selection for offshore wind farms [...] Read more.
Wind power has gained attention as a vital renewable energy source capable of reducing emissions and serving as an effective alternative to fossil fuels. Floating wind farms could significantly enhance the energy capacities of Mediterranean countries. However, location selection for offshore wind farms (OWFs) is a challenge for renewable energy policy and marine spatial planning (MSP). To address these issues, this study considers the marine space of Greece to propose a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify suitable sites for OWFs. The approach assesses 19 exclusion criteria encompassing legislative, environmental, safety, and technical constraints to determine the eligible areas. Subsequently, 10 evaluation criteria are weighted to determine the selected areas’ level of suitability. The study considers baseline conditions (1981–2010) and future climate scenarios based on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for two horizons (2011–2040 and 2041–2070), integrating projected wind velocities and sea level rise to evaluate potential shifts in suitable areas. Results indicate the central and southeastern Aegean Sea as the most suitable areas for OWF deployment. Climate projections indicate a modest increase in suitable areas. The findings serve as input for climate-resilient MSP seeking to promote sustainable energy development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Energy)
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17 pages, 4065 KiB  
Article
Relative Sea Level Changes in the Bay of Maladroxia, Southwestern Sardinia, and Their Implications for the Pre- and Protohistoric Cultures
by Steffen Schneider, Marlen Schlöffel, Anna Pint and Constance von Rüden
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080287 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 164
Abstract
A multidisciplinary study was conducted to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental evolution of Maladroxia Bay, one of the principal bays of the islet of Sant’Antioco in southwestern Sardinia, over the past eight millennia. As part of an archaeological landscape project, this study explores the paleogeography [...] Read more.
A multidisciplinary study was conducted to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental evolution of Maladroxia Bay, one of the principal bays of the islet of Sant’Antioco in southwestern Sardinia, over the past eight millennia. As part of an archaeological landscape project, this study explores the paleogeography and environment of the bay from a diachronic perspective to gain insights into the Holocene relative sea level history, shoreline displacements, and the environmental conditions during different phases. This study is based on an analysis of four sediment cores in conjunction with a chronological model that is based on radiocarbon dates. Four relative sea level indicators were produced. These are the first such indicators from the early and middle Holocene for the island of Sant’Antioco. The results indicate that in the early Holocene, the area was a terrestrial, fluvial environment without marine influence. In the 6th millennium BCE, the rising sea level and marine transgression resulted in the formation of a shallow inner lagoon. It reached its maximum extent in the middle of the 5th millennium BCE. Afterwards, a gradual transition from lagoon to floodplain, and a seaward shift of the shoreline occurred. The lagoon potentially served as a valuable source of food and resources during the middle Holocene. During the Nuragic period (2nd to 1st millennium BCE), the Bay of Maladroxia was very similar to how it is today. Its location was ideal for use as an anchorage, due to the calm and sheltered conditions that prevailed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
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21 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
Aerodynamic Design of Wind Turbine Blades Using Multi-Fidelity Analysis and Surrogate Models
by Rosalba Cardamone, Riccardo Broglia, Francesco Papi, Franco Rispoli, Alessandro Corsini, Alessandro Bianchini and Alessio Castorrini
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2025, 10(3), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtpp10030016 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
A standard approach to design begins with scaling up state-of-the-art machines to new target dimensions, moving towards larger rotors with lower specific energy to maximize revenue and enable power production in lower wind speed areas. This trend is particularly crucial in floating offshore [...] Read more.
A standard approach to design begins with scaling up state-of-the-art machines to new target dimensions, moving towards larger rotors with lower specific energy to maximize revenue and enable power production in lower wind speed areas. This trend is particularly crucial in floating offshore wind in the Mediterranean Sea, where the high levelized cost of energy poses significant risks to the sustainability of investments in new projects. In this context, the conventional approach of scaling up machines designed for fixed foundations and strong offshore winds may not be optimal. Additionally, modern large-scale wind turbines for offshore applications face challenges in achieving high aerodynamic performance in thick root regions. This study proposes a holistic optimization framework that combines multi-fidelity analyses and tools to address the new challenges in wind turbine rotor design, accounting for the novel demands of this application. The method is based on a modular optimization framework for the aerodynamic design of a new wind turbine rotor, where the cost function block is defined with the aid of a model reduction strategy. The link between the full-order model required to evaluate the target rotor’s performance, the physical aspects of blade aerodynamics, and the optimization algorithm that needs several evaluations of the cost function is provided by the definition of a surrogate model (SM). An intelligent SM definition strategy is adopted to minimize the computational effort required to build a reliable model of the cost function. The strategy is based on the construction of a self-adaptive, automatic refinement of the training space, while the particular SM is defined by the use of stochastic radial basis functions. The goal of this paper is to describe the new aerodynamic design strategy, its performance, and results, presenting a case study of a 15 MW wind turbine blades optimized for specific deepwater sites in the Mediterranean Sea. Full article
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31 pages, 6565 KiB  
Article
Remotely Sensing Phytoplankton Size Structure in the Mediterranean Sea: Insights from In Situ Data and Temperature-Corrected Abundance-Based Models
by John A. Gittings, Eleni Livanou, Xuerong Sun, Robert J. W. Brewin, Stella Psarra, Manolis Mandalakis, Alexandra Peltekis, Annalisa Di Cicco, Vittorio E. Brando and Dionysios E. Raitsos
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(14), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17142362 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Since the mid-1980s, the Mediterranean Sea’s surface and deeper layers have warmed at unprecedented rates, with recent projections identifying it as one of the regions most impacted by rising global temperatures. Metrics that characterize phytoplankton abundance, phenology and size structure are widely utilized [...] Read more.
Since the mid-1980s, the Mediterranean Sea’s surface and deeper layers have warmed at unprecedented rates, with recent projections identifying it as one of the regions most impacted by rising global temperatures. Metrics that characterize phytoplankton abundance, phenology and size structure are widely utilized as ecological indicators that enable a quantitative assessment of the status of marine ecosystems in response to environmental change. Here, using an extensive, updated in situ pigment dataset collated from numerous past research campaigns across the Mediterranean Sea, we re-parameterized an abundance-based phytoplankton size class model that infers Chl-a concentration in three phytoplankton size classes: pico- (<2 μm), nano- (2–20 μm) and micro-phytoplankton (>20 μm). Following recent advancements made within this category of size class models, we also incorporated information of sea surface temperature (SST) into the model parameterization. By tying model parameters to SST, the performance of the re-parameterized model was improved based on comparisons with concurrent, independent in situ measurements. Similarly, the application of the model to remotely sensed ocean color observations revealed strong agreement between satellite-derived estimates of phytoplankton size structure and in situ observations, with a performance comparable to the current regional operational datasets on size structure. The proposed conceptual regional model, parameterized with the most extended in situ pigment dataset available to date for the area, serves as a suitable foundation for long-term (1997–present) analyses on phytoplankton size structure and ecological indicators (i.e., phenology), ultimately linking higher trophic level responses to a changing Mediterranean Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Remote Sensing)
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19 pages, 3235 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China
by Xingfan Li, Shihui Lin, Libing Qian, Zhe Wang, Chao Cao, Qi Gao and Jiwen Cai
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071307 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Under the context of global climate change, sea-level rise and frequent storm surge events pose significant challenges to coastal areas. Protecting coastlines from erosion, mitigating socio-economic losses, and maintaining ecosystem balance are critical for the sustainable development of coastal zones. The concept of [...] Read more.
Under the context of global climate change, sea-level rise and frequent storm surge events pose significant challenges to coastal areas. Protecting coastlines from erosion, mitigating socio-economic losses, and maintaining ecosystem balance are critical for the sustainable development of coastal zones. The concept of “living shorelines” based on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) employs near-natural ecological restoration and protection measures. In low-energy coastal segments, natural materials are prioritized, while high-energy segments are supplemented with artificial structures. This approach not only enhances disaster resilience but also preserves coastal ecosystem stability and ecological functionality. This study constructs a coastal vitality evaluation system for Fujian Province, China, using the entropy weight method, integrating three dimensions: protective safety, ecological resilience, and economic vitality. Data from 2010 and 2020 were analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of coastal vitality. Results indicate that coastal vitality initially exhibited a spatial pattern of “low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south,” with vitality values ranging from 0.20 to 0.67 (higher values indicate stronger vitality). Over the past decade, ecological restoration projects have significantly improved coastal vitality, particularly in central and southern regions, where high-vitality segments increased markedly. Key factors influencing coastal vitality include water quality, cyclone intensity, biological shoreline length, and wetland area. NbS-aligned coastal management strategies and soft revetment practices have generated substantial ecological and economic benefits. To further enhance coastal vitality, region-specific approaches are recommended, emphasizing rational resource utilization, optimization of ecological and economic values, and the establishment of a sustainable evaluation framework. This study provides scientific insights for improving coastal protection capacity, ecological resilience, and economic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Geochemistry: The Processes of Water–Sediment Interaction)
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26 pages, 41871 KiB  
Article
Episodic vs. Sea Level Rise Coastal Flooding Scenarios at the Urban Scale: Extreme Event Analysis and Adaptation Strategies
by Sebastian Spadotto, Saverio Fracaros, Annelore Bezzi and Giorgio Fontolan
Water 2025, 17(13), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131991 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Sea level rise (SLR) and increased urbanisation of coastal areas have exacerbated coastal flood threats, making them even more severe in important cultural sites. In this context, the role of hard coastal defences such as promenades and embankments needs to be carefully assessed. [...] Read more.
Sea level rise (SLR) and increased urbanisation of coastal areas have exacerbated coastal flood threats, making them even more severe in important cultural sites. In this context, the role of hard coastal defences such as promenades and embankments needs to be carefully assessed. Here, a thorough investigation is conducted in Grado, one of the most significant coastal and historical towns in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Grado is located on a barrier island of the homonymous lagoon, the northernmost of the Adriatic Sea, and is prone to flooding from both the sea and the back lagoon. The mean and maximum sea levels from the historical dataset of Venice (1950–2023) were analysed using the Gumbel-type distribution, allowing for the identification of annual extremes based on their respective return periods (RPs). Grado and Trieste sea level datasets (1991–2023) were used to calibrate the statistics of the extremes and to calculate the local component (subsidence) of relative SLR. The research examined the occurrence of annual exceedance of the minimum threshold water level of 110 cm, indicating Grado’s initial notable marine ingression. The study includes a detailed analysis of flood impacts on the urban fabric, categorised into sectors based on the promenade elevation on the lagoon side, the most vulnerable to flooding. Inundated areas were obtained using a high-resolution digital terrain model through a GIS-based technique, assessing both the magnitude and exposure of the urban environment to flood risk due to storm surges, also considering relative SLR projections for 2050 and 2100. Currently, approximately 42% of Grado’s inhabited area is inundated with a sea level threshold value of 151 cm, which occurs during surge episodes with a 30-year RP. By 2100, with an optimistic forecast (SSP1-2.6) of local SLR of around +53 cm, the same threshold will be met with a surge of ca. 100 cm, which occurs once a year. Thus, extreme levels linked with more catastrophic events with current secular RPs will be achieved with a multi-year frequency, inundating more than 60% of the urbanized area. Grado, like Venice, exemplifies trends that may impact other coastal regions and historically significant towns of national importance. As a result, the generated simulations, as well as detailed analyses of urban sectors where coastal flooding may occur, are critical for medium- to long-term urban planning aimed at adopting proper adaptation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Frequency Analysis and Risk Assessment)
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25 pages, 6409 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Response Mitigation of Offshore Jacket Platform Using Tuned Mass Damper Under Misaligned Typhoon and Typhoon Wave
by Kaien Jiang, Guangyi Zhu, Guoer Lv, Huafeng Yu, Lizhong Wang, Mingfeng Huang and Lilin Wang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7321; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137321 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
This study addresses the dynamic response control of deep-water jacket offshore platforms under typhoon and misaligned wave loads by proposing a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)-based vibration suppression strategy. Typhoon loading is predicted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to simulate maximum [...] Read more.
This study addresses the dynamic response control of deep-water jacket offshore platforms under typhoon and misaligned wave loads by proposing a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)-based vibration suppression strategy. Typhoon loading is predicted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to simulate maximum wind speed and direction, a customized exponential wind profile fitted to WRF results, and a spectral model calibrated with field-measured data. Correspondingly, typhoon wave loading is calculated using stochastic wave theory with the Joint North Sea Wave Project (JONSWAP) spectrum. A rigorous Finite Element Model (FEM) incorporating soil–structure interaction (SSI) and water-pile interaction is implemented in the Opensees platform. The SSI is modeled using nonlinear Beam on Nonlinear Winkler Foundation (BNWF) elements (PySimple1, TzSimple1, QzSimple1). Numerical simulations demonstrate that the TMD effectively mitigates dynamic platform responses under aligned typhoon and wave conditions. Specifically, the maximum deck acceleration in the X-direction is reduced by 26.19% and 31.58% under these aligned loads, with a 17.7% peak attenuation in base shear. For misaligned conditions, the TMD exhibits pronounced control over displacements in both X- and Y-directions, achieving reductions of up to 29.4%. Sensitivity studies indicated that the TMD’s effectiveness is more significantly impacted by stiffness detuning than mass detuning. It should be emphasized that the effectiveness verification of linear TMD is limited to the load levels within the design limits; for the load conditions that trigger extreme structural nonlinearity, its performance remains to be studied. This research provides theoretical and practical references for multi-directional coupled vibration control of deep-water jacket platforms in extreme marine environments. Full article
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17 pages, 3775 KiB  
Article
Suitability Evaluation of Site-Level CO2 Geo-Storage in Saline Aquifers of Ying–Qiong Basin, South China Sea
by Jin Liao, Cai Li, Qihui Yang, Aixia Sun, Guangze Song, Joaquin Couchot, Aohan Jin and Quanrong Wang
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3388; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133388 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
CO2 geo-storage is a promising approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling global temperature rise. Although numerous studies have reported that offshore saline aquifers have greater storage potential and safety, current suitability evaluation models for CO2 geo-storage primarily focus on [...] Read more.
CO2 geo-storage is a promising approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling global temperature rise. Although numerous studies have reported that offshore saline aquifers have greater storage potential and safety, current suitability evaluation models for CO2 geo-storage primarily focus on onshore saline aquifers, and site-level evaluations for offshore CO2 geo-storage remain unreported. In this study, we propose a framework to evaluate the site-level offshore CO2 geo-storage suitability with a multi-tiered indicator system, which considers three types of factors: engineering geology, storage potential, and socio-economy. Compared to the onshore CO2 geo-storage suitability evaluation models, the proposed indicator system considers the unique conditions of offshore CO2 geo-storage, including water depth, offshore distance, and distance from drilling platforms. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) methods were integrated and applied to the analysis of the Ying–Qiong Basin, South China Sea. The results indicated that the average suitability score in the Yinggehai Basin (0.762) was higher than that in the Qiongdongnan Basin (0.691). This difference was attributed to more extensive fault development in the Qiongdongnan Basin, suggesting that the Yinggehai Basin is more suitable for CO2 geo-storage. In addition, the DF-I reservoir in the Yinggehai Basin and the BD-A reservoir in the Qiongdongnan Basin were selected as the optimal CO2 geo-storage targets for the two sub-basins, with storage potentials of 1.09 × 108 t and 2.40 × 107 t, respectively. This study advances the methodology for assessing site-level potential of CO2 geo-storage in offshore saline aquifers and provides valuable insights for engineering applications and decision-making in future CO2 geo-storage projects in the Ying–Qiong Basin. Full article
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31 pages, 10755 KiB  
Article
Exposure of Greek Ports to Marine Flooding and Extreme Heat Under Climate Change: An Assessment
by Isavela N. Monioudi, Dimitris Chatzistratis, Konstantinos Moschopoulos, Adonis F. Velegrakis, Amalia Polydoropoulou, Theodoros Chalazas, Efstathios Bouhouras, Georgios Papaioannou, Ioannis Karakikes and Helen Thanopoulou
Water 2025, 17(13), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131897 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
This study assesses the exposure of the 155 Greek seaports to marine flooding and extreme heat under climate change. Flood exposure was estimated through a threshold approach that compared projected mean and extreme sea levels to high-resolution port quay elevation data. It was [...] Read more.
This study assesses the exposure of the 155 Greek seaports to marine flooding and extreme heat under climate change. Flood exposure was estimated through a threshold approach that compared projected mean and extreme sea levels to high-resolution port quay elevation data. It was found that while relatively few ports will face quay inundation, the majority will experience operational disruptions due to insufficient freeboard for berthing of commercial vessels under both the mean (80%) and extreme sea (96%) levels by 2050. For selected ports, 2-D flood modelling was undertaken that showed that the used ‘static’ flood threshold approach likely underestimates flood exposure. Future heat exposure was studied through the comparison of extreme temperature and humidity projections to operational and health/safety thresholds. Port infrastructure and personnel/users will be exposed to large material, operational and health risks, whereas energy demand will rise steeply. Deadly heat days (due to mean temperature/humidity combination) will increase, particularly at island ports: 20% of Greek ports might face more than 50 such days annually by end-century. As ports are associated with large urban clusters, these findings suggest a broader health risk. Our findings suggest an urgent climate adaptation need given the strategic socio-economic importance of ports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water and Climate Change)
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20 pages, 1743 KiB  
Article
Understanding Wave Attenuation Across Marshes: Insights from Numerical Modeling
by Madeline R. Foster-Martinez, Ioannis Y. Georgiou, Duncan M. FitzGerald, Zoe J. Hughes, Alyssa Novak and Md Mohiuddin Sakib
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(6), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061188 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 869
Abstract
Marsh vegetation dampens wave energy, providing protection to coastal communities from storms. A new modeling framework was applied to study wave height evolution over the saltmarsh bordering Newbury, MA. A regional Delft3D hydrodynamic model generated wind driver waves in the open water portions [...] Read more.
Marsh vegetation dampens wave energy, providing protection to coastal communities from storms. A new modeling framework was applied to study wave height evolution over the saltmarsh bordering Newbury, MA. A regional Delft3D hydrodynamic model generated wind driver waves in the open water portions of the study area, which were then one-way coupled with an analytical model, the Marsh Transect Wave Attenuation (MTWA) model, which tracked wave evolution along select transects throughout the marsh. Field observations of vegetation and wave height evolution were used to calibrate MTWA. Seven scenarios were run covering a range of possible future management and environmental conditions, in addition to projected sea level rise. Results underscore the importance of vegetation and elevation to wave attenuation. Full article
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17 pages, 1176 KiB  
Article
Risk Communication in Coastal Cities: The Case of Naples, Italy
by Salvatore Monaco
Land 2025, 14(6), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061288 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 619
Abstract
Coastal cities are increasingly exposed to the risks posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, intensified storms, and coastal erosion. In this context, risk communication plays a crucial role, as it can shape public perception, promote preparedness, and influence both emergency responses [...] Read more.
Coastal cities are increasingly exposed to the risks posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, intensified storms, and coastal erosion. In this context, risk communication plays a crucial role, as it can shape public perception, promote preparedness, and influence both emergency responses and long-term mitigation strategies. This study investigated how disaster-related risks are framed in the media, focusing on the case of Naples, Italy, following a severe coastal storm surge that struck the city’s waterfront on December 2020. Using Dynamic Latent Dirichlet Allocation (DLDA), the research analyzed 297 newspaper articles published between 2020 and 2024 to examine the evolution of media narratives over time. The findings reveal four dominant patterns: (1) a prevailing economic discourse centered on financial damages and compensations, with limited references to resilience planning; (2) a temporal framing that presents the storm as a sudden, exceptional event, disconnected from historical precedents or future climate projections; (3) a lack of emphasis on the social experiences and vulnerabilities of local residents; and (4) minimal discussion of tourists’ exposure to risk, despite their presence in high-impact areas. These results highlight key limitations of media-driven risk communication and underscore the need for more inclusive, forward-looking narratives to support urban resilience and climate adaptation in coastal cities. This research offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, journalists, and disaster risk reduction professionals, helping them to better align communication strategies with long-term adaptation goals and the needs of diverse urban populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Climate Change on Land and Water Systems)
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23 pages, 1050 KiB  
Review
Integrating Environmental Sensitivity Analysis into Strategic Environmental Assessment for Sustainable Tourism Planning: A Review
by Diana Salciccia-Frezza, Teresa Rodríguez-Espinosa and José Navarro-Pedreño
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5439; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125439 - 12 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 580
Abstract
Tourism development frequently leads to significant environmental impacts, particularly in vulnerable areas. While strategic environmental assessment (SEA) serves as a crucial tool for integrating environmental considerations into policies and plans, its effectiveness in tourism destinations is often constrained by a lack of integrated [...] Read more.
Tourism development frequently leads to significant environmental impacts, particularly in vulnerable areas. While strategic environmental assessment (SEA) serves as a crucial tool for integrating environmental considerations into policies and plans, its effectiveness in tourism destinations is often constrained by a lack of integrated tools to assess environmental sensitivity. Environmental sensitivity analysis (ESA), which identifies areas sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, is applied at the project level (environmental impact assessment), rather than being proactively integrated into strategic territorial planning for tourism. The analysis of this concept is crucial for identifying high-priority areas for conservation and sustainable tourism management. This systematic review addresses this gap by analyzing the inter-relationship between the conceptual aspects of SEA and ESA methodologies and the sustainable planning of territories. The central research question guiding this study is as follows: can the integration of ESA into the SEA of the tourism sector lead to improved territorial environmental management in areas with tourism potential? The research evidences the necessity for strategic environmental planning that effectively prevents impacts before tourism projects commence. The best way to achieve this goal is by integrating ESA into SEA. The notion of sustainable territorial management is particularly relevant in regions where tourism growth has the potential to affect local ecosystems and the quality of life of local communities. The incorporation of tools to better assess the environmental sensitivity of such areas is, therefore, essential to ensure policy decisions do not compromise the socio-environmental conditions of these areas. The study lays the groundwork for future research to develop and apply practical ESA methodologies for strategic and sustainable tourism planning. Full article
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19 pages, 7119 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sea Level Rise on Hydrodynamics and Spatial Variation in Mexican Coastal Wetlands Along the Pacific Americas Flyway
by Román Alejandro Canul Turriza, Violeta Z. Fernández-Díaz, Roselia Turriza Mena, Karla Gabriela Mejía-Piña and Oscar May Tzuc
Climate 2025, 13(6), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13060120 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Globally, coastal wetlands are among the most dynamic and important environments due to their wide range of environmental services, from which coastal communities benefit. Mexico has coastal wetlands that are a priority in the Pacific Flyway in America, since every year millions of [...] Read more.
Globally, coastal wetlands are among the most dynamic and important environments due to their wide range of environmental services, from which coastal communities benefit. Mexico has coastal wetlands that are a priority in the Pacific Flyway in America, since every year millions of shorebirds use these wetlands to reproduce and rest during their migration, in addition to various species that live there and are under some protection standard or in danger of extinction. In addition, these Mexican wetlands are also spaces from which important growing coastal communities benefit. However, the conservation of these coastal sites will be compromised in the coming decades by sea level rise and increasing pressure derived from coastal development, which directly impact the potential loss of space and consequently the decrease in migratory bird populations. This work identifies hydrodynamic changes and the effects of sea level rise in five coastal wetlands in Mexico and the Pacific Flyway in America, focusing on the future availability of space and the potential loss of ecosystem services under projected scenarios. The results generated give us a knowledge base to design strategies focused on the conservation and resilience of these wetlands in the face of sea level rise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Hazards under Climate Change)
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12 pages, 2409 KiB  
Review
Challenge at the Edge: Long-Term Sea Level Rise vs. Short-Term Extreme Events
by Gary B. Griggs
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(6), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061123 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 523
Abstract
California and most other coastlines around the nation and the world are being impacted by both long-term sea-level rise (SLR) and short-term extreme events. Global sea level over the last 10 years of satellite altimetry has averaged approximately 4.1 mm/yr. (~16 in./100 yrs.), [...] Read more.
California and most other coastlines around the nation and the world are being impacted by both long-term sea-level rise (SLR) and short-term extreme events. Global sea level over the last 10 years of satellite altimetry has averaged approximately 4.1 mm/yr. (~16 in./100 yrs.), although this rate is accelerating at about 1.2 mm/yr. per decade. Projections of future sea levels have now been developed by many different agencies, organizations, and committees, and cluster around 12 inches by 2050. Over the near term, however, until mid-century, and likely beyond, it will be the short-term extreme events such as hurricanes along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and the coincidence of very large waves and high astronomic tides along the U.S. Pacific coasts that will pose the major threat to both public infrastructure and private development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)
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34 pages, 6364 KiB  
Review
Salinity Barriers to Manage Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Zone Aquifers During Global Climate Change: A Review and New Perspective
by Thomas M. Missimer and Robert G. Maliva
Water 2025, 17(11), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17111651 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 1545
Abstract
Climate change will have a significant impact on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers between now and 2150. Global sea levels are predicted to rise somewhere between 0.5 and 1.8 m. To mitigate sea level rise, coastal aquifers will require intensive management to avoid [...] Read more.
Climate change will have a significant impact on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers between now and 2150. Global sea levels are predicted to rise somewhere between 0.5 and 1.8 m. To mitigate sea level rise, coastal aquifers will require intensive management to avoid inland migration of seawater that could impact water supplies. In addition to reducing pumping of freshwater, the construction and operation of salinity barriers will be required in many locations. Eleven types of salinity barriers were investigated, including physical barriers (curtain wall and grout curtains), infiltration canals filled with freshwater paralleling the coastline, injection of freshwater (treated surface water or wastewater), pumping or abstraction barriers, mixed injection and abstraction barriers, combined abstraction, desalination, and recharge (ADR), ADR hybrid barriers using various water sources including desalinated water and treated wastewater, compressed air barriers, aquifer storage and recovery dual use systems, biofilm barriers, and clay swelling or dispersion barriers. Feasibility of the use of each salinity barrier type was evaluated within the context of the most recent projections of sea level changes. Key factors used in the evaluation included local hydrogeology, land surface slope, water use, the rate of sea level rise, technical feasibility (operational track record), and economics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hydrogeology and Hydrochemistry: Challenges and Prospects)
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