Natural hazards and extreme events in the Baltic Sea region

Abstract. A natural hazard is a naturally occurring extreme event that has negative effect on people and society or the environment. Natural hazards may have severe implications for human life can potentially generate economic losses damage ecosystems. better understanding of their major causes, probability occurrence, consequences enables to be prepared save lives as well invest in adaptation options. related climate change are identified one Grand Challenges Baltic Sea region. Here, we summarize existing knowledge about events region with focus past 200 years future scenarios. The considered here hydro-meteorological include wind storms, waves, high low sea levels, ice ridging, heavy precipitation, sea-effect snowfall, river floods, heat seasons, drought. We also address some ecological extremes (phytoplankton blooms, forest fires, coastal flooding, offshore infrastructure, shipping). Significant gaps identified, including response large-scale atmospheric circulation concerning specific events, example, occurrence marine waves small-scale variability precipitation. Suggestions research further development high-resolution Earth system models potential use methodologies data analysis (statistical methods machine learning). With respect expected impacts change, changes level, phytoplankton blooms (increase), cold spells winters (decrease). For (drying, waves), depends area time period studied.