L’impact de l’ouverture de la brèche dans la langue de Barbarie à Saint-Louis du Sénégal en 2003 : un changement de nature de l’aléa inondation ?

A breach opened in the Barbary Tongue sandspit in 2003 dramatically altered flood dynamics for UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saint-Louis du Sénégal, eliminating significant flooding events. The study found that while the city's vulnerability to rising sea levels persists due to its proximity to high-tide levels, the breach has effectively mitigated inland flooding by accelerating river water drainage. Using hydrological models and IPCC projections of sea-level rise, researchers simulated future flood scenarios, revealing potential for increased marine influence could lead to urban submersions during peak annual waters by century's end.

Durand, P., Anselme, B., & Thomas, Y.-F. (2011). L’impact de l’ouverture de la brèche dans la langue de Barbarie à Saint-Louis du Sénégal en 2003 : un changement de nature de l’aléa inondation ? Cybergeo. https://doi.org/10.4000/cybergeo.23017