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Implications of Sea-Level Rise for Estonia

Authors :
Jaak Jaagus
Reimo Rivis
Are Kont
Raivo Aunap
Urve Ratas
Source :
Journal of Coastal Research. 242:423-431
Publication Year :
2008
Publisher :
Coastal Education and Research Foundation, 2008.

Abstract

Estonia is a coastal country with a long coastline (3800 km) for which climate change and accelerated sea-level rise are key problems that need to be considered in any future impact assessment. Due to its flat, low-lying coastal zone, any rise in sea level places many coastal ecosystems and recreationally valuable sandy beaches at risk. Milder winters, combined with increased storminess and the absence of sea-ice cover, would exacerbate these impacts. However, isostatic uplift and the distance of coastal settlements from the present coastline could reduce these risks. This paper presents the potential impact of a 1-m global sea-level rise by 2100 if no adaptation is undertaken. Seven representative study areas, characterising all shore types in Estonia, were selected for sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation assessment. The diverse structure of Estonia's coasts, the rapidly migrating shorelines, and the abundance of small islands were found to complicate reliable predictions regarding clima...

Details

ISSN :
15515036 and 07490208
Volume :
242
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Coastal Research
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........fdf6da2ebe81be064ed73caed55b293e