Land subsidence is a critical concern in coastal areas worldwide, as it leads to land elevation loss from natural processes (tectonics, compaction of unconsolidated sediments, glacial and sediment isostatic adjustment, growth faults) and human-induced processes (aquifer over-exploitation, hydrocarbon production, peat oxidation, and urbanization-related loading of Earth’s surface). Human activities can accelerate subsidence, often surpassing the rate of climate-driven sea-level rise (SLR). Effectively addressing the impact of coastal subsidence requires considering the concept of relative SLR and assessing surface and subsurface processes at the correct spatial and temporal scales.
This session invites contributions across various disciplines to deepen our understanding of coastal land subsidence and elevation changes. We welcome studies on quantifying, monitoring and modeling coastal vertical land motion; disentangling the processes driving subsidence; projecting future subsidence; assessing impacts; and developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. Monitoring approaches include in-situ geomorphologic and geodetic techniques and remote sensing methods (e.g. RSET-MH, leveling, GNSS, tide gauge, InSAR, and satellite altimetry), as well as field-based and modeling methods, and we particularly encourage studies that integrate these perspectives. Contributions that bridge disciplinary gaps to enhance projections of coastal relative SLR are especially welcomed, aligning with the goals of the International Panel on Land Subsidence (IPLS; www.IPLSubsidence.org). The IPLS aims to consolidate knowledge and connect global research communities working on coastal vertical land motion, produce consistent assessments and projections of land subsidence, and ensure that coastal elevation change is properly integrated into international assessments such as the IPCC AR7.
By linking expertise from geodesy, remote sensing, hydrology, ocean sciences, geomorphology, and urban studies, this session seeks to foster a comprehensive view of the drivers, impacts, and solutions to land subsidence and relative SLR in natural and urban coastal environments.