Coastal erosion and land submersion: Causes, impacts and management

This article examines the natural and human-induced activities behind coastal erosion and land submersion. It critically evaluates their environmental and socioeconomic impacts, discusses mitigation approaches, and identifies future research directions. Coastal erosion results from a complex interplay of natural, anthropogenic, and combined factors. Natural drivers such as wave dynamics, storm surges, and sea level rise, along with anthropogenic factors like urbanization, sand mining, and dam construction, significantly disrupt the sediment balance. In addition, the combined impact of reduced sediment supply and rising sea levels resulting from climate change further intensifies the rate of coastal degradation. Land subsidence is the gradual or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface resulting from anthropogenic activities such as excessive groundwater pumping and hydrocarbon exploitation, along with natural/geological processes. Coastal subsidence increases the risk of land submersion by allowing water to more easily inundate the lowered terrain. Monitoring and surveying techniques are diagnostic tools used to identify coastal erosion and land submersion, and to determine mitigation strategies, such as engineering design. Coastal erosion and land submersion processes severely threaten the natural environment (biodiversity and livelihoods) and human populations by degrading coastal ecosystems and infrastructure. These changes lead to ecosystem loss, a decline in marine biodiversity, and significant socioeconomic impacts on local communities. Engineering structures, environmental solutions, and policy-based approaches can be powerful defenses against coastal erosion and land submersion. Through adaptive design and sustainable practices, these approaches reduce erosion impacts while ensuring lasting protection and readiness for future coastal transformations. Advancements in geospatial technologies, predictive models, and innovative coastal defenses enhance the monitoring and provide information to direct coastal management practices. Interdisciplinary collaboration and nature-based solutions are crucial for addressing knowledge gaps and ensuring sustainable, adaptive coastal management strategies.