Future flooding of the Volta Delta caused by sea level rise and land subsidence

Brempong, Emmanuel K.; Almar, Rafaël; Angnuureng, Donatus Bapentire; Mattah, Precious Agbeko Dzorgbe; Avornyo, Selasi Yao; Jayson-Quashigah, Philip-Neri; Addo, Kwasi Appeaning; Minderhoud, Philip S. J.; Teatini, Pietro

doi:10.1007/s11852-023-00952-0

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…The LVD coastline is subjected to natural and human-induced stresses, manifesting as persistent coastal ooding [13], subsidence at a rate of 4 mm/yr [7], coastal erosion at a rate of over 2 m/year on average, and the gradual depletion of its wetlands and water bodies [9]. For the reported subsidence and topographical changes, it remains unclear if it is only due to water abstraction within the Delta for farming purposes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…integrity underscores the overall poor environmental conditions, especially in the aforementioned areas, where the diversity of phytoplankton and benthic macroinvertebrate species has signi cantly diminished [23]. Most recently, the LVD has also been reported to be affected by land subsidence of about 4 mm/yr [7] which can eventually lead to an increase in ooding from relative sea level rise in the next few decades. In all, the LVD is currently impacted by coastal challenges and demands immediate attention.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Understanding the multifaceted coastal processes in a multi-scale coastal evolution, especially in tropical regions, has been limited due to a lack of available observational data. Recent research by Appeaning Addo et al [6] reveals that beaches in the Volta Delta are still experiencing erosion at an alarming rate of over 2 meters per year while there is an increase in the frequency of coastal ooding [7]. The acceleration in hazards has been primarily attributed to human interventions through coastal constructions and development, as highlighted in earlier studies [e.g., 3; 5; 8;9] and the limited spatio-temporal information [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The State of the Lower Volta Delta Beaches in Ghana from Field Observations

Angnuureng,

Brempong,

Kpogo-Nuwoklo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Field observations along West Africa are of extreme importance for understanding rapid beach geomorphological changes. Here, we conducted comprehensive field surveys to understand the geomorphological and hydrodynamic conditions of Ghana's lower Volta Delta. Over five months, in situ data were collected along 90 km of coast, examining temporal bathymetry, beach profiles, beach width variations, waves, and grain sizes. The primary objective was to determine the factors behind the significant coastal erosion and flooding, destabilizing the coastal ecosystems and communities. Results show that grain sizes are in the range of 0.2 < D50 < 0.5 mm. The beach slope, which varies between the flattest 0.4% at Blekusu, Keta Fort, Atiteti and the steepest 21% at Atorkor, is substantial for the returning floods experienced at some sections. Despite the same regional climatic environment, the study reveals contrasted coastal behaviors, with different sections of the Delta exhibiting distinct alterations in beach profiles and widths. Global wave model data (e.g. ERA5), widely used for coastal assessment in terms of magnitude, are significantly inconsistent with in-situ measurements in shallow water as found this study which could affect modeling of wave dynamics in shallow waters. This work serves as a database for current and future projects.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The State of the Lower Volta Delta Beaches in Ghana from Field Observations

Angnuureng,

Brempong,

Kpogo-Nuwoklo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Derby and colleagues conclude that erosion is the dominant coastal process in the delta at present, and that the consequences are likely to be greater in incoming decades: ‘flooding and submergence becomes more likely as sea levels rise and subsistence continues’ (p.116) 19 . Scenarios of land use change in the delta by Brempong and colleagues (using a range of RCPs) estimate that > 20% of land in the coastal districts of the Volta region could be below sea level by the end of the century 20 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social consequences of planned relocation in response to sea level rise: impacts on anxiety, well-being, and perceived safety

Abu,

Heath,

Adger

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Governments globally are adapting to sea level rise through a range of interventions to improve everyday lives of communities at risk. One prominent response is planned relocation, where people and communities are enabled to move from localities exposed to coastal erosion and inundation as a result of sea level rise. Managed retreat has significant social consequences including under-reported impacts on health, well-being and social identity. Here we adopt well-established measures of well-being and document the outcomes of planned relocation on well-being in the Volta Delta region of Ghana. Data from a bespoke survey for individuals (n = 505) in relocated and non-relocated communities demonstrate that planned relocation negatively impacts well-being and anxiety of those relocated when compared to a community that is equally exposed but has not moved. Individuals in the relocated community reported significantly lower levels of overall wellbeing, significantly higher levels of anxiety, and lower perceptions of safety, compared to non-relocated community members. These outcomes are explained as being related to the disruption of community connection, identities, and feelings of efficacy. Relocated community members reported significantly lower levels of attachment to the local area and home, significantly lower levels of community-based self-efficacy, and significantly lower levels of overall community-based identity. The results demonstrate that planned relocation to address sea level rise has multiple social consequences with outcomes for well-being that are not straightforwardly related to risk reduction.

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“…The eastern coast of Ghana experiences erosion rates of 2 metres/year. This is anticipated to cause increased coastal erosion, floods, and morphological change in the near future, as a response to global warming [9][10][11]. The relevance of ecosystem services is therefore imperative to the development of Ghana's coastal zones.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Catchment-Scale Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis in Two Coastal Ramsar Sites in Ghana, Using Remote Sensing

Commey,

Magome,

Ishidaira

et al. 2023

Water

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Coastal wetlands are complex ecosystems that support biodiversity. They provide many benefits, including flood mitigation and sustenance for communities. The unique characteristics of wetlands make them vulnerable to natural and human-induced disturbances. Numerous factors, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and climate change, add to this phenomenon. The activities that threaten coastal wetlands in the world are relevant to coastal wetlands in Ghana. The Songor and Sakumo wetland catchments are international ecosystems endangered by land modifications and sea level rise. There are gaps in the body of knowledge that need investigation as regards underlying processes and transformation. This study assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes between 1990 and 2020. The study used geospatial techniques and intensity analysis. LULC change results were from Landsat images (1990, 2000, 2011, and 2020). These changes were attributed to an increase in human activities. Changes in the Sakumo wetland catchment fell more into human-induced LULC categories, and vice versa for the Songor wetland catchment. The study recommends comprehensive methods of LULC change analysis. This would enhance biodiversity and allow the sustainable usage of wetland resources.

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Future flooding of the Volta Delta caused by sea level rise and land subsidence

Cited by 9 publications

References 74 publications

The State of the Lower Volta Delta Beaches in Ghana from Field Observations

The State of the Lower Volta Delta Beaches in Ghana from Field Observations

Social consequences of planned relocation in response to sea level rise: impacts on anxiety, well-being, and perceived safety

Catchment-Scale Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis in Two Coastal Ramsar Sites in Ghana, Using Remote Sensing

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