Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa

This study provides an in-depth evaluation of sea level rise (SLR) and its varied effects across the coastal regions of southern Africa. Utilizing data collected between 1993 and 2022, we analyze SLR patterns alongside land subsidence phenomena, based on observations from 10 strategically located ti...

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Main Authors: F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi, M. H. Erkoç, R. P. Raj, A. Pirti, A. Bonaduce, B. J. Abiodun, J. Stroeve
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2025-05-01
Series:The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
Online Access:https://isprs-archives.copernicus.org/articles/XLVIII-M-6-2025/393/2025/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-6-2025-393-2025.pdf
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author F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
M. H. Erkoç
R. P. Raj
A. Pirti
A. Bonaduce
B. J. Abiodun
B. J. Abiodun
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
author_facet F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
M. H. Erkoç
R. P. Raj
A. Pirti
A. Bonaduce
B. J. Abiodun
B. J. Abiodun
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
author_sort F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
collection DOAJ
description This study provides an in-depth evaluation of sea level rise (SLR) and its varied effects across the coastal regions of southern Africa. Utilizing data collected between 1993 and 2022, we analyze SLR patterns alongside land subsidence phenomena, based on observations from 10 strategically located tide gauges and X-TRACK satellite altimetry datasets. To ensure greater accuracy, the Coastal Altimetry Approach was adopted to refine nearshore measurements. Findings indicate that in areas such as Cape Town, sea-level rise rates reach around 6.3 mm/year, which is nearly twice the current global average of 3.3 mm/year. The interaction between rapid sea-level rise and subsidence rates surpassing 2.2 mm/year presents significant threats to coastal communities, critical infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. Moreover, the study highlights how seismic activity contributes to coastal dynamics, illustrating the role of earthquake-induced subsidence in magnifying the impacts of SLR. By incorporating seismic factors into the analysis, a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between natural and human-induced drivers of sea-level variability is achieved. Additionally, the study examines the broader effects of SLR on Africa’s culturally and historically important coastal heritage sites, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive coastal management and climate adaptation efforts.
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publishDate 2025-05-01
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spelling doaj-art-006d16a37e2b4d2a9f809ad589c8c1772025-08-20T02:26:23ZengCopernicus PublicationsThe International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences1682-17502194-90342025-05-01XLVIII-M-6-202539339710.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-6-2025-393-2025Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South AfricaF. E. Kemgang Ghomsi0F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi1F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi2M. H. Erkoç3R. P. Raj4A. Pirti5A. Bonaduce6B. J. Abiodun7B. J. Abiodun8J. Stroeve9J. Stroeve10J. Stroeve11Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, CanadaNansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South AfricaGeodesy Research Laboratory, National Institute of Cartography, P.O. Box 157, Yaoundé, CameroonDepartment of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220, Istanbul, TürkiyeNansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center and Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Bergen, NorwayDepartment of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34220, Istanbul, TürkiyeNansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center and Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, Bergen, NorwayNansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South AfricaClimate System Analysis Group, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South AfricaCentre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, CanadaDepartment of Earth Sciences, University College London, London, UKNational Snow and Ice Data Center, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USAThis study provides an in-depth evaluation of sea level rise (SLR) and its varied effects across the coastal regions of southern Africa. Utilizing data collected between 1993 and 2022, we analyze SLR patterns alongside land subsidence phenomena, based on observations from 10 strategically located tide gauges and X-TRACK satellite altimetry datasets. To ensure greater accuracy, the Coastal Altimetry Approach was adopted to refine nearshore measurements. Findings indicate that in areas such as Cape Town, sea-level rise rates reach around 6.3 mm/year, which is nearly twice the current global average of 3.3 mm/year. The interaction between rapid sea-level rise and subsidence rates surpassing 2.2 mm/year presents significant threats to coastal communities, critical infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. Moreover, the study highlights how seismic activity contributes to coastal dynamics, illustrating the role of earthquake-induced subsidence in magnifying the impacts of SLR. By incorporating seismic factors into the analysis, a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between natural and human-induced drivers of sea-level variability is achieved. Additionally, the study examines the broader effects of SLR on Africa’s culturally and historically important coastal heritage sites, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive coastal management and climate adaptation efforts.https://isprs-archives.copernicus.org/articles/XLVIII-M-6-2025/393/2025/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-6-2025-393-2025.pdf
spellingShingle F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
F. E. Kemgang Ghomsi
M. H. Erkoç
R. P. Raj
A. Pirti
A. Bonaduce
B. J. Abiodun
B. J. Abiodun
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
J. Stroeve
Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
title Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
title_full Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
title_fullStr Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
title_full_unstemmed Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
title_short Vertical Crustal Movement along the Coast of South Africa
title_sort vertical crustal movement along the coast of south africa
url https://isprs-archives.copernicus.org/articles/XLVIII-M-6-2025/393/2025/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-6-2025-393-2025.pdf
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