Evaluating the Regional Coastal Impact Potential to Erosion and Inundation Caused by Extreme Weather Events and Tsunamis

Hurricanes as the main drivers of coastal erosion and inundation are frequent in the Caribbean region even under consideration of projected continuation of global warming. A GIS-based model for the island Martinique was developed that evaluates the sensitivity of the coastal areas to erosion, flooding and inundation. This includes the analysis of the potential impact area extension. The results are illustrated in sensitivity and risk area maps for the Martinique coast. They revealed a high impact potential along low lying coastal parts but also along those coastal stripes with erosive rocks. The maps serve as base for further vulnerability studies. The overall aim was to develop an appropriate methodology that is easily applicable and transferable to other coasts.