Evaluation of Coastal Protection Strategies for Lowlands in Respect of Climate Change

The expected change of global climate will create impacts being an unknown challenge for coastal protection: Accelerated sea-level rise, stronger storms create both higher set-ups of storm surges and stronger waves. Moreover, the adaption of intertidal areas in the coastal areas might be delayed providing larger water depths in front of coastal structures allowing again the occurrence of stronger waves. The question, if coastal lowlands could remain safe against the sea is of increasing importance. Alternatives to the presently exercised keeping the line of protection are discussed with reference to historical experience.