EXTREME SEA LEVELS IN 2008

Abstract

Coastal towns are located close to the coast and just above the sea level, which shows that city planners did not consider changes to existing natural phenomenon such as tides very much. Measures against sea flooding require a good understanding of the causes of high sea levels, a modern monitoring system and an efficient warning service and communications in times of extreme events. In a comprehensible way, the article explains the most influential parameters of sea level changes. The past frequency of extreme flood events on the Slovene coast is described as well as the events that took place during the period of extreme sea levels in 2008. The exceptional flooding of December 1st is described in detail and its consequences discussed. Understanding the mechanism of extreme sea levels in the North Adriatic Sea as well as the expected increase of sea level as a result of climate changes can lead to estimates of future possible damage to the Slovene coast. The recent efforts of the Agency for the Environment of the Republic of Slovenia to minimize the danger to the coast are presented and some further steps to increase the prevention measures are enumerated.