Modelling of sea level rise and river system

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a hydrodynamic river modelling by incorporating river flow and sea‐level rise interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Predicted sea levels from renowned studies are put to test on flow scenarios of the Sarawak River in the deltaic city of Kuching, Malaysia. Three cases are drawn for investigation, including one extreme flood event, one normal flow with low tide, and another normal flow with spring tide.

Findings

The model predicts a worst case that nearly 5‐6 km² of urban land along the Lower Sarawak River would be under water due to the rise.

Practical implications

Such an indication would draw a clearer picture for strategy and mitigation planning.

Originality/value

Generally sea level estimation involves ocean‐atmospheric modelling. However, the paper argues here that a river model is credible for practical hydrological site‐specific analysis to include increase of sea levels.

Citation

Mah, D.Y.S. (2011), "Modelling of sea level rise and river system", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 108-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653561111126058