Spatio-temporal variations of future wave climate-driven longshore sediment transport in the Gulf of Guinea

The densely populated coast of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) is experiencing escalating erosion from climate change (CC). To assess Longshore Sediment Transport (LST) changes in the past and future, an empirical formula was used to model the GoG's LST. Nearshore wave conditions, crucial for LST estimation, were derived by projecting significant wave height, mean wave period, and mean wave direction from deep water to the breaker zone. These wave conditions were used as input for LST computation. Analysing three time slices: Past (1979-2005), mid-century (2026-2045), and end-century (2081-2100) under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5, results indicate continuous increase in LST in most locations, with local and seasonal variations. LST magnitudes range from 104 to 105 m3y-1 in the GoG, with the Cameroonian coast having the least. This aligns with the rising wave energy from CC. LST directions are predominantly eastward, though some locations, like off Lagos and Cameroon-Gabon coasts, show westward trend, correlating with coastal orientation influenced by southward wave directions. RCP 8.5 projections suggest mid-century increase, intensifying by end of century, with yearly rates of change around 103 m3y-1 and future LST changes up to 105 m3y-1. This situation implies accelerated sediment removal, heightening erosion.

Automated summary

The densely populated coast of the Gulf of Guinea is experiencing escalating erosion from climate change. By analyzing past and future sediment transport, it is found that sediment transport is continuously increasing in most locations, leading to accelerated erosion.