Evaluation of the coastal vulnerability index in the Manga del Mar Menor (Murcia, Spain)

Abstract

One of the most visible effects of Climate Change is the rise of sea levels by melting land ice masses. To calculate the coastal vulnerability of the Lower Sea Sleeve by sea level rise, the Coastal Vulnerability Index has been applied using geomorphology, coastal slope, sea level changes, coastal erosion, tidal range, swell and an environmental variable. The result reflects that stretches of sandy beaches and artificial structures are more vulnerable to climate risks than those rocky sections, so it is considered necessary to adapt dune-beach systems with natural vegetation well preserved that constitute a barrier to the energy of the storms.