Coastal Sensitivity/Vulnerability Characterization and Adaptation Strategies: A Review

Coastal area constitutes a vulnerable environment and requires special attention to preserve ecosystems human activities therein. To this aim, many studies have been devoted both in past recent years analyzing the main factors affecting coastal vulnerability susceptibility. Among most used approaches, Vulnerability Index (CVI) accounts for all relevant variables that characterize dealing with: (i) forcing actions (waves, tidal range, sea-level rise, etc.), (ii) morphological characteristics (geomorphology, foreshore slope, dune features, (iii) socio-economic, ecological cultural aspects (tourism activities, natural habitats, etc.). Each variable is evaluated at each portion of investigated coast, associated with level which usually ranges from 1 (very low vulnerability), 5 high vulnerability). Following susceptibility/vulnerability analysis stretch, specific strategies must be chosen implemented favor resilience adaptation, spanning hard solutions (e.g., groins, breakwaters, etc.) soft beach nourishment projects), relocation option establishment accommodation emergency preparedness).