Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements
Abstract This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the complex dynamics of sea-level rise (SLR) and its multiple impacts on coastal regions in southern Africa. We meticulously analyse trends and patterns in SLR and subsidence rates using a wealth of data from 1993 to 2022, including obser...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89258-9 |
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| author | Franck Eitel Kemgang Ghomsi Muharrem Hilmi Erkoç Roshin P. Raj Atinç Pirti Antonio Bonaduce Babatunde J. Abiodun Julienne Stroeve |
| author_facet | Franck Eitel Kemgang Ghomsi Muharrem Hilmi Erkoç Roshin P. Raj Atinç Pirti Antonio Bonaduce Babatunde J. Abiodun Julienne Stroeve |
| author_sort | Franck Eitel Kemgang Ghomsi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the complex dynamics of sea-level rise (SLR) and its multiple impacts on coastal regions in southern Africa. We meticulously analyse trends and patterns in SLR and subsidence rates using a wealth of data from 1993 to 2022, including observations from a network of 10 reliable tide gauges and XTRACK data processed using the Coastal Altimetry Approach to minimise the shortcomings of conventional coastal altimetry data. Our results show that sea level rise in coastal areas of South Africa, such as Cape Town (6.3 mm/yr), is almost double the global average (3.3 mm/yr). This alarming rate of SLR, coupled with a subsidence rate of more than 2.2 mm/yr, poses a significant and immediate threat to coastal communities, infrastructure and ecosystems. Our research also highlights the impact of seismic activity on coastal dynamics, further exacerbating the challenges posed by SLR. By incorporating the influence of earthquakes on subsidence, we provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to SLR in the region. In addition, our research sheds light on the wider implications of SLR for some of Africa’s most iconic and culturally significant heritage sites, highlighting the urgent need for proactive coastal management and adaptation strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9e2f596641e643ef8f4b610fb12ab7d3 |
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| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-9e2f596641e643ef8f4b610fb12ab7d32025-08-20T02:12:58ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-0115111510.1038/s41598-025-89258-9Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurementsFranck Eitel Kemgang Ghomsi0Muharrem Hilmi Erkoç1Roshin P. Raj2Atinç Pirti3Antonio Bonaduce4Babatunde J. Abiodun5Julienne Stroeve6Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of ManitobaDepartment of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical UniversityNansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center and Bjerknes Center for Climate ResearchDepartment of Geomatic Engineering, Yildiz Technical UniversityNansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center and Bjerknes Center for Climate ResearchDepartment of Oceanography, Nansen-Tutu Center for Marine Environmental Research, University of Cape TownCentre for Earth Observation Science, University of ManitobaAbstract This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the complex dynamics of sea-level rise (SLR) and its multiple impacts on coastal regions in southern Africa. We meticulously analyse trends and patterns in SLR and subsidence rates using a wealth of data from 1993 to 2022, including observations from a network of 10 reliable tide gauges and XTRACK data processed using the Coastal Altimetry Approach to minimise the shortcomings of conventional coastal altimetry data. Our results show that sea level rise in coastal areas of South Africa, such as Cape Town (6.3 mm/yr), is almost double the global average (3.3 mm/yr). This alarming rate of SLR, coupled with a subsidence rate of more than 2.2 mm/yr, poses a significant and immediate threat to coastal communities, infrastructure and ecosystems. Our research also highlights the impact of seismic activity on coastal dynamics, further exacerbating the challenges posed by SLR. By incorporating the influence of earthquakes on subsidence, we provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to SLR in the region. In addition, our research sheds light on the wider implications of SLR for some of Africa’s most iconic and culturally significant heritage sites, highlighting the urgent need for proactive coastal management and adaptation strategies.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89258-9Sea level riseSubsidence ratesSouthern AfricaTide gaugesCoastal altimetry |
| spellingShingle | Franck Eitel Kemgang Ghomsi Muharrem Hilmi Erkoç Roshin P. Raj Atinç Pirti Antonio Bonaduce Babatunde J. Abiodun Julienne Stroeve Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements Scientific Reports Sea level rise Subsidence rates Southern Africa Tide gauges Coastal altimetry |
| title | Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements |
| title_full | Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements |
| title_fullStr | Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements |
| title_short | Sea level trends along the South African coast from 1993 to 2022 using XTRACK altimetry, tide gauges, and GNSS measurements |
| title_sort | sea level trends along the south african coast from 1993 to 2022 using xtrack altimetry tide gauges and gnss measurements |
| topic | Sea level rise Subsidence rates Southern Africa Tide gauges Coastal altimetry |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89258-9 |
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