Coastal flood hazard for Lecce, Italy, from breaches in the dunes

This paper conducts a high-resolution flood hazard mapping exercise along the coastline of the municipality of Lecce, Italy, along the Adriatic Sea. The researchers used a 1-m-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) and extreme sea level (ESL) projections from the literature, including storm surge, wave setup, tide, and mean sea level rise. A geodetic transformation was used to refer ESL to the DTM vertical datum. The outcome of this transformation was used in a bathtub model, validated through on-the-ground photographs and satellite observations.

The results showed appreciable coastal hazard for several urban and agricultural settlements in Lecce. Due to the modest elevation and gentle slope of the terrain, the potential of long-range flooding was high. The areas most susceptible to coastal flooding were identified in the northern sectors, including Spiaggiabella, Torre Chianca, and a specific site in Frigole. Lastly, the study identified gaps and damage to the dune belt, specific roads, and reclamation canals as ingress points for seawater during flooding events.