Recent research on the Mediterranean sea level revealed a more alarming panorama than expected. According to the report prepared by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), sea levels are rising up to three times faster in certain areas of the Mediterranean.
This acceleration is not only due to the global rise in sea level due to climate changebut also to a process of subsidence or progressive subsidence of coastal zones, a phenomenon that previous studies had underestimated.
A stark warning: the growing threat of sea levels in the Mediterranean
As mentioned above, this downward movement of land, caused by natural causes and human activities, worsens the impact of rising seas.
The collaboration between the INGV and Radboud University has made it possible to update the projections, confirming that the Mediterranean coasts are exposed to significant risks by the end of the century.
In the same line, The study states that land subsidence plays a key role in accelerating sea level rise.. Marco Anzidei, researcher at the INGV, explains that this sinking phenomenon is due to both natural factors and human activities.
Along the Mediterranean coast, already highly exposed to the effects of global warming, this subsidence represents a major problem.
Discouraging projections: a Mediterranean Sea threatened with flooding
The collaboration between the two scientific institutions has since made it possible to adjust the IPCC projections until 2150, with the inclusion of data relating to the sinking.
In total, 265 points in the Mediterranean were analyzed, covering tide gauge stations from international monitoring networks, including locations on the coasts of Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, Almería and Andalusia, as well as the Balearic Islands.
The recalculated results reveal significant differences with previous estimates. While the IPCC predicted a rise in sea levels, the INGV report points out that in some areas of the Mediterranean, the figures could reach up to 109 centimeters above what was predicted in the initial calculations.
This disparity indicates that current exposure levels are higher and, therefore, approximately 38,500 square kilometers of Mediterranean coastline are expected to be impacted by these variations.
The most vulnerable regions of the Mediterranean
The study identifies some of the areas most at risk of flooding and coastal erosion. Among them, the coasts of Italy, Greece, Spain and Francewho are facing an accelerating rate of land subsidence.
The report also estimates that the northern Mediterranean coasts, with around 19,000 square kilometers, will be most affected.
Impact on human activities and infrastructure
- Infrastructure: greater exposure of roads, ports and coastal constructions.
- Local economy: risks for fishing and tourism.
- Ecosystem: habitat alteration and species migration.
Consequences for coastal populations and future recommendations
Rising Mediterranean sea levels represent a significant challenge not only for marine ecosystems, but also for human populations and activities in the region. The report highlights the importance of taking preventive measures that minimize the impact.
With sea level rise predicted to continue into the next century, coastal infrastructure and populations are in a vulnerable position that will require long-term solutions.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that the Mediterranean Sea, one of the fastest warming seas, has recorded an increase in average water temperature that doubles the rate of ocean warming.
These changes, along with the increasing acidity of the water, endanger various speciesparticularly those which are part of coral and mollusc ecosystems, essential to marine balance.
Key recommendations
- Strengthening infrastructure: adaptation of buildings and coastal roads.
- Protection of ecosystems: creation of conservation areas and mitigation of erosion.
- Urban planning: limitation of construction in risk areas.
- Continuation of studies: monitoring sea level and land subsidence.
According to the experts’ conclusions, “taking concrete measures is essential to protect coastal populations and their livelihoods.”
If effective interventions are not carried out, The most vulnerable areas of the Mediterranean could face significant risks by the end of this century.
