Tidal response to sea level rise and bathymetric changes in the German Wadden Sea

Sea level rise significantly increases tidal current velocities in the German Wadden Sea, particularly in tidal inlets and channels, due to changes in the ratio of tidal prism to inlet cross-sectional area. This phenomenon is driven by the unique hypsometry of the region, characterized by extensive shallow tidal flats and narrow channels. Additionally, sea level rise reduces ebb dominance while increasing flood dominance in these channels. A scenario simulating elevated tidal flats and deepened channels—potentially resulting from accelerated sea level rise—mitigates some effects of sea level rise, with bathymetric changes causing current velocity alterations comparable to those induced by mean sea level rise alone. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating potential bathymetric adjustments in regional projections of tidal responses to climate change.

Wachler, B., Seiffert, R., Rasquin, C., & Kösters, F. (2020). Tidal response to sea level rise and bathymetric changes in the German Wadden Sea. Ocean Dynamics, 70(8), 1033–1052. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-020-01383-3