Marine storms in coastal tourist areas of the Canary Islands

Abstract The small island areas oriented to coastal tourism are highly vulnerable marine storms, given the fluctuation of this economic sector and increase in its exposure due increasing anthropogenic presence on coastline. In context, storms between 1958 2017 studied here most important tourist enclaves Tenerife Gran Canaria, located municipalities Arona Adeje (SW Tenerife) San Bartolomé de Tirajana Mogán (S-SW Canaria). order perform analysis, wave data from State Ports (Spain) (SIMAR-44 nodes, Ministry Transport, Mobility Urban Agenda Spain) used. A statistical study phenomena can help establish a threshold for identification storm based significant height ( H s ) 2.7 m 1.7 Mogán. application identified 144 episodes SW 154 S-SW Canaria. Their behavior is examined from, one hand, duration, seasonality, type waves degree severity that characterizes them; and, other, state atmosphere concurs genesis by means Wetterzentrale synoptic maps. Finally, first assessment effects these stormy made using local press reports drowning, damage urban furniture port infrastructures loss sand beaches.