Modeling Investigation of Potential Sea Level Rise Effect on Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport in Hyères Bay, France

Global climate change increases storm frequency and Sea Level Rise (SLR). This leads to an increased risk of coastal flooding, reduced effectiveness of protective structures, and intensified coastal erosion and retreat. The Bona and Ceinturon beaches, two beautiful sandy beaches with low-lying topography along the eastern branch of the Giens double tombolo on the western coast of Hyères Bay, have high tourist value. These areas are very vulnerable to SLR, which is believed to reduce the effectiveness of the shore protection structures built on these sandy beaches. The effects of SLR on changes in the hydrodynamic characteristics of these water bodies need to be quantified. This may help clarify the relationship between SLR and coastal erosion. This study investigated the variation of wave height and current speed due to SLR at the Bona and Ceinturon beaches using a coupled numerical model. The performance of this model was calibrated by comparing the model results with the in situ measured data. The research results are the basis for assessing the impact of SLR due to climate change on this area and provide a useful solution for coastal management in the future.