A Spatial Structure Variable Approach to Characterize Storm Events for Coastal Flood Hazard Assessment

Over the last decades, evaluation of hazards and risks associated with coastal flooding has become increasingly more important in order to protect population assets. The general purpose this research was assess reliable hazard maps due overflow wave overtopping. This paper addresses problem defining credible joint statistics significant heights Hs water levels ζ, focusing on selection sample pair that characterizes each sea storm, evaluate occurrence probability extreme events. is selected maximizing a spatial structure variable, i.e., linear combination specific point area at risk. variable defined by sensitivity process as found analyzing set inundation produced through Simplified Shallow-Water numerical model (SSW). proposed methodology applied stretch Venetian littoral (Italy), means 30 year-long time series recorded “Acqua Alta” oceanographic tower, located Northern Adriatic Sea front lagoon. critical ζ forming presented map, it can be related topography presence mitigation measures. return period two recent large storms occurred 2018 2019 also investigated. procedure gives probabilities for these events, whereas other approaches would consider them extremely unlikely.