Vulnerability of the South-Western Black Sea coasts to sea level rise

In this study, vulnerability of the coastal areas to the rising sea levels due to climate change has been investigated with a case study conducted in the Southwestern Black Sea. On the purpose of achieving this goal, physical and social parameters which are determining the vulnerability of the coast has been investigated, afterwards a spatial vulnerability analysis made. Geomorphology, coastal slope, shoreline change, wave height, population density and land use are the determinitive parameters. A geographic information system (GIS) consisting of the parameters and additional information about coastal zones of Black Sea is created. Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) used as vulnerability assessment method. Results showed that, in the study area; highly vulnerable areas are located around Karasu-Akçakoca and the least vulnerable areas are located on the coasts lying between Ereğli and Zonguldak.