Storm surges and their impact on the urban environment : case study : Spinola Bay, St. Julian's

Abstract

Storm Surges affect the urban environment together with a change in the physical and economic structure of Spinola Bay in St.Julian's. Storm surges and its impacts are expected to increase with sea level rise triggered by global climate change. The aim of this dissertation is to portray different sea level fluctuations, together with the impacts this brings by. This is done by providing an overview of how sea level rise takes place and the output consequences. Furthermore, the dissertation investigates the effects of how sea level rise mainly due to storm surges have a severe effect on both the traditional and economic factors within the area of Spinola Bay, St.Julian's. Indeed natural phenomena like storm surges cause sea level to rise and disrupt a settlement habitat's lifestyle. Therefore, these hazards have to be managed and controlled so as to omit any tragic consequences. A coastal evaluation is portrayed in order to measure impacts and mitigate them, because for every problem there has to be a safe solution. In this way precautions and engineering have to be sustainably and continuously practiced within the area of hazard. Main investigations include: Measuring sea level rise throughout the months. Complete surveys to the locals and tourists. Interviews to responsible corporations. Erosion already present in the limits of Spinola Bay and compare it to past histories.