Foreseeable impacts of sea level rise on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea (Turkey)

Abstract

This paper represents the results of a case study of the interaction between sea level rise (SLR), subsidence and the consequences of this phenomenon on fresh water resources that may be subject to exacerbated salt-water intrusion. The possible reasons for rapid SLR at the permanent tide gauge station located on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea have been investigated based on time series data recorded since 1984. The population in the region relies mainly on groundwater resources for urban, tourism and agricultural water use, which represents a severe risk with regard to the replenishment of the coastal aquifer. Based on the findings, appropriate methods of assessing the coastal vulnerability to future SLR and recommendations for coastal zone management with emphasis on the protection of water resources are discussed.