There is considerable interest in understanding the hydrodynamic and geomorphic response of coastlines to sea level rise (SLR). Various researchers have investigated the nature of these changes in storm surge-dominated environments; however, fewer studies have investigated the response of wave runup-dominated coastlines. This paper develops a conceptual model of total water level (TWL) response to SLR and shoreline change for a variety of shoretypes. The conceptual model was developed through analytical techniques and application of a 1-D transect-based TWL analysis, taking into account the effects of SLR and shoreline change. The results indicate that dynamic shoretypes such as sandy beaches, dunes, and erodible bluffs may experience a linear increase in TWL in response to SLR and shoreline change, while static shoretypes such as resistant rocky cliffs and coastal structures may exhibit a non-linear increase in TWL. The study findings can be used to communicate the implications of implementing various physical adaptation strategies to reduce exposure to coastal hazards and to inform better decision making in the face of changing coastal conditions due to climate change.
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