PROGRESS IN GEOGRAPHY ›› 2016, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (11): 1411-1419.doi: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2016.11.011

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A review of storm surge disaster risk research and adaptation in China under climate change

Aiqing FENG1,2(), Jiangbo GAO1, Shaohong WU1,*(), Yanhua LIU1,3, Xiaojia HE4   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
    2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    3. Counselors' Office of the State Council, Beijing 100006, China
    4. The Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21, Beijing 100038, China
  • Online:2016-11-25 Published:2016-11-25
  • Contact: Shaohong WU E-mail:fengaq.14b@igsnrr.ac.cn;wush@igsnrr.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Science and Technology Support Program, No.2013BAK05B04;Clean Development Mechanism Funding Projects of China, No.2013034

Abstract:

Storm surges are a phenomenon of abnormal water-level rises under the influence of strong atmospheric turbulence in coastal areas and are effected by many factors, such as sea-level rise. China has seen frequent storm surges, especially in the southeastern coastal areas where their frequency is high and disaster losses are serious. This article systematically summarized the progress and main problems of storm surge research in China with regard to the hazard, vulnerability, and risk regionalization. Based on the characteristics and risk assessment of storm surges, the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies were further investigated. Especially in the context of climate change, future trend, recurrence periods, and high risk areas of storm surges would be greatly affected by sea-level rise. Thereby, a comprehensive risk assessment incorporating factors such as sea-level rise is urgently needed. Moreover, the changes in natural conditions and socioeconomic development in the coastal areas under global climate change should be taken into account to improve risk assessment with the combination of short-term and long-term views. In order to adapt to the risk of storm surge disasters under climate change, China has continuously improved the capacity building for emergency preparedness, structural defense, and policies and regulations to improve the ability of disaster prevention and mitigation.

Key words: climate change, storm surge, disaster impact, risk, adaptation, China