Storm Surges: Storm surges, which are abnormal rises in sea level accompanying a storm, can inundate coastal areas and cause widespread flooding. This can lead to severe damage to property and infrastructure, displacement of populations, and loss of life.
Tsunamis: Tsunamis are large, destructive waves caused by sudden disturbances in the ocean, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. They can travel across the ocean at speeds of up to hundreds of kilometers per hour and cause catastrophic damage when they reach land.
Coastal Erosion: The continuous action of waves, tides, and currents can lead to the gradual erosion of coastlines. This can threaten coastal communities and infrastructure, as well as damage or destroy natural habitats.
Salinization: In coastal areas, rising sea levels can lead to the salinization of freshwater sources, such as aquifers and estuaries. This can have negative impacts on agriculture, drinking water supplies, and ecosystems that depend on freshwater.
Coral Bleaching: Increased sea temperatures due to climate change can cause coral bleaching, a process where corals lose their symbiotic algae and turn white. Bleached corals are more susceptible to disease and death, leading to the degradation of coral reefs and the loss of biodiversity.
Habitat Destruction: The destruction of coastal habitats, such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, can have a devastating impact on marine life. These habitats provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of species, and their loss can disrupt marine ecosystems.
