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  • Seamless Projections of Glo...
    Shimura, T.; Pringle, W. J.; Mori, N.; Miyashita, T.; Yoshida, K.

    Geophysical research letters, 28 March 2022, Letnik: 49, Številka: 6
    Journal Article

    For coastal adaptation purposes, it is important to estimate the climate related changes in extreme sea levels due to storm surges and ocean waves, in addition to mean sea level rise. This study provides the first consistent and continuous estimation of projected changes in global storm surges and ocean waves from the past to the warmer future, based on an extremely high resolution global climate model. The spatial pattern in the trend of annual maximum sea surface heights and wave heights is predominantly driven by changes in tropical cyclone (TC) frequency. In the western North Pacific, future TC frequencies are projected to decrease, and the annual maximum sea surface heights and wave heights show decreasing trends (−20 cm/century and −200 cm/century). Although highly intense tropical cyclones are enhanced in the warmer climate, highly extreme storm surges and wave heights do not necessarily increase due to the large natural variability. Plain Language Summary Ocean waves and storm surges induced by atmospheric low pressure systems are major drivers of coastal hazards. Future global warming can alter the intensity of ocean waves and storm surges as well as sea level rise. Therefore, for coastal adaptation purposes, it is important to estimate the global warming related changes in ocean waves and storm surges in addition to sea level rise. This study provides the first estimation of future changes in global storm surges and global ocean waves at the same time. In the western North Pacific, future tropical cyclone frequencies are expected to decrease, and the annual maximum storm surges and wave heights show decreasing trends (−20 cm/century and −200 cm/century). Less probable extreme storm surges and wave heights such as events occurring once every 50 years do not show clear trends because the trends are masked by large natural variability which is intrinsic to the climate. Key Points The first consistent and continuous estimation of changes in global storm surges and ocean waves from the past to the warmer future Storm surge and ocean wave projections are based on an extremely high resolution (20 km) global climate model Future tropical cyclone frequencies would decrease, and the annual maximum storm surges and waves show negative trends