Storm Surges in the Elbe, Jade-Weser and Ems Estuaries

摘要

Storm surges in the estuaries along the German Bight of Elbe, Jade-Weser and Ems may cause severe damages and endanger the life of the inhabitants of these coastal areas. The results of a sensitivity study are analysed in order to arrive at a better understanding of the importance of the processes modifying the height of a storm surge along an estuary. Hydrodynamic-numerical models can be used to carry out separate investigations on the impact of the wind over the estuary, the sea level rise at the mouth of the estuary and the fresh water discharge into the estuary. Wind, fresh water discharge and sea level rise are varied systematically, in line with today's knowledge, within the range of expected changes in future climates. The results of this sensitivity study show a bandwidth of possible changes in water levels during storm surge. This study enables vulnerabilities along the estuaries due to climate change to be identified and adaptation strategies to be developed.