The Classification of Desert and Semi-desert Vegetation of the Caspian Coast (Azerbaijan)

The article outlines the fractional classification of the semi-desert, desert vegetation covers of the studied territory of the coastal strip of the Caspian Sea of Azerbaijan. We studied the phytoceonological indicators of communities related to forests, shrubs, semi-desert, desert, vegetation. 3 types, 12 formation classes, 69 formation groups and 92 associations are distinguished.

Nature Based Solution simulation design methods – A storm surge seagrass application

<p>Nature Based solutions (NBS) have been presented in the recent past as a potential solution to natural and climate change adverse effects on human well-being and socio-economic activities.  In this study, we present a simulation design methodology for NBS that can mitigate the effect of storm surges and coastal erosion. The chosen NBS is marine seagrass and it will be applied to the coastal strip of the Emilia-Romagna coasts. Within the framework of the OPEn-air laboRAtories for Nature baseD solUtions to Manage environmental risks (OPERANDUM) project, the seagrass NBS is presented within a simulation design methodology consisting of the comparison between validated wave numerical simulations for the present climate and modified wave simulations with marine seagrass. In this context, the unstructured version of WAVEWATCH III (WW3) model has been implemented for simulating the wave characteristics across the Emilia-Romagna coastal strip with and without seagrass.</p><p>The calibration/validation of WW3 was carried out and sensitivity experiments using the various wind-input dissipation source packages and bottom friction formulations were also attempted to evaluate the model performances (validation results presented here are for the entire 2017 year). The ST6 physics along with SHOWEX bottom friction formulations were chosen ideal for the study area. To evaluate the model results a directional wave rider buoy data was utilized. The model simulated significant wave parameters namely Hs (significant wave height), Tm (mean wave period) were compared with buoy observations and high correlations (0.93) were found with Hs comparison. Further the WW3 model was modified by including the modified bottom dissipation stress due to submerged vegetation, thereby incorporating the NBS as a potential mechanism for wave amplitude reduction. The seagrass species ‘Zostera marina’ was chosen in this study and comparisons showed that seagrass is capable to reduce the wave energy in the study area. Furthermore, the dependence on seagrass plant high-density and low-density scenarios, together with seagrass parameters (height and width of the seagrass) and species show the sensitivity of the results even on reduction of wave energy as obtained with different degrees by all NBS scenarios.    </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Nature-based solutions, WW3, marine seagrass, storm surge, Zostera marina.</p>

Shoreline Changes and Coastal Erosion: The Case Study of the Coast of Togo (Bight of Benin, West Africa Margin)

The coastal strip between the Volta River delta and the westernmost portion of Benin (West Africa Margin of Atlantic Basin) is highly populated (e.g., Lomé) due to migrations from inland areas. The coastal zone has proved to be very vulnerable because of the potential development of sometimes catastrophic events related to different and interacting causes, resulting in negative effects on natural ecosystems and socio-economic conditions. The main problem is the marked erosion of large coastal sectors with maximum retreat rates of the order of 5 m/year. The continuous loss of territory leads to a progressive impoverishment of activities and human resources and to the increase of geological risk factors. The coastal erosion is induced both by natural and anthropic causes and can be controlled only by means of prevention programs, detailed scientific studies and targeted technical interventions. The main erosional processes observed in the study area are triggered by the presence of the Lomé port and other human activities on the coastal strip, including the water extraction from the subsoil, which induces subsidence and the use of sediments as inert material. These elements, together with the reduction of the solid supply from Volta River (caused by the realization of the Akosombo dam) are among the main factors that control the medium and long-term evolution of the area. Also relative sea level changes, which take into account also tectonic and/or isostatic components, can contribute to the process. In order to have a real understanding of the coastal dynamics and evolution, it would be necessary to develop a scientific structure through the collaboration of all countries of the Bight of Benin affected by coastal erosion. The aim should be primarily to collect the interdisciplinary quantitative data necessary to develop a scientific knowledge background of the Bight of Benin coastal/ocean system. In conclusion, some proposals are presented to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal area as for example to plan surveys for the realization of appropriate coastal protection works, such as walls, revetments, groins, etc. A possible expansion of the port of Lomè is also considered. Proposals comprise the constitution of a Supranational Scientific Committee as a coordinating structure on erosion for both the study of phenomena and planning interventions.

Modeling the risks of marine submersion on the Saidia coastal- Cap de l'Eau (Northeast Morocco)

The coastline is an area of ecological and environmental balance between the continent and the sea. The coastline from Saidia to Cap de l'Eau, located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is the subject of this study. The goal of this work is to produce maps of the risk of marine submersion. The methodology followed consists of entering storm meteorological data and land use data into the Iber 2D software. In addition, we mapped the hazard as well as the vulnerability of this submersion. The results of this 2D modeling of the hazard have shown that the coastline of Saidia - Cap de l'Eau presents a high risk of marine submersion, and this by the water levels rises to more than 4 meters and overflow on a width of more than 20 meters towards the mainland. In addition, the coastal strip constitutes a zone of high vulnerability compared to the continent.

Identification and Mapping of Environmentally Sensitive Areas of the Coastal Strip of Guilan Province

Background: Oil spills caused by releasing liquid petroleum can spread on the coastal strip and affect coastal ecosystems, causing severe damage to the coastline environment and crisis in local communities. This study aimed to identify and map the environmentally sensitive areas of the coastal strip of Guilan Province, Iran, to oil spills using the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). Methods: The data required for the present study were collected through field studies, the GPS device, topographic maps of 1.25000 of the National Mapping Organization, maps of protected areas of the Environmental Protection Organization, satellite images, data of Guilan Province Industry, Mine and Trade Organization, and other relevant agencies. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) method and ESI were used to determine the sensitivity of the coastal strip of Guilan Province to oil spills. Moreover, to determine the weights of the criteria studied in the NOAA method, the analytic hierarchy process was used. Results: The final results of the study of the environmental sensitivity of the coastal strip of Guilan Province to oil spills showed that 21.15%, 39.66%, and 39.19% of the coastal strip have low, medium, and high sensitivity, respectively. Conclusion: High sensitivity mainly was related to the eastern part of the coast, located at the banks of estuaries of current rivers. Low sensitivity was also located along the seafront on fine- to medium-grained sand beaches, where less damaged in the event of oil spill pollution.