Combining Land Subsidence and Geology for Improved Coastal Climate Adaptation

Abstract

Land subsidence is mapped over two Danish coastal study locations from precision leveling and modified Sentinel-1 satellite data. Geological models are produced after digitization of geotechnical archives. The inferred subsidence patterns are related to the geology and advantages of bringing this information together in flood risk assessments and in climate adaptation are discussed. The lack of data for subsidence monitoring and a fragmentation of geotechnical information are considered a hindrance to optimal adaptation measures in Denmark. A national subsidence mapping to gain an overview of the challenges faced is advocated. A simple decision support system can implement subsidence and geotechnical information in coastal climate adaptation to the benefit of municipalities and other relevant stakeholders.