Inundation Vulnerability of Goraebul and Sowhang Sand Dunes on the East and West Coast Under Sea Level Rise Scenario

This study examines the spatial extent and land cover characteristics of dune areas vulnerable to climate change-induced sea level rise. The affected areas in two representative sites, Sohwang (west coast) and Goraebul (east coast), are determined using the projected values of sea level according to SSP (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway) Scenarios. The inundation areas were delineated based on the sum of AHHW (approximately highest high water) and SSP scenario-based projection values, and compared with the 100- year stillwater flood levels estimaged using the associated tidal station data. The 100-year stillwater flood levels were estimated to be 8.472 m at Sohwang and 1.083 m at Goraebul, while those in SSP5-8.5 were 8.444 m and 1.092 m, respectively. In Sohwang Sand Dune, 46.5%, 52.4%, 56.0%, and 57.7% of the total area were flooded in SSP scenario 1, 2, 3, and 5, while in Goraebul Sand Dune, 7.6%, 20.4%, 24.6%, 29.3%, and 34.4%, respectively. Areas vulnerable to flooding is the river estuaries, the inland wetlands and surrounding grasslands and bare lands with low elevation. Landuse related to human activities, it was predicted that rice paddies of Sohwang Dune would be strongly affected by flooding. In the future, it will be necessary to consider variables such as changes in topography and land use due to sea level rise, and it will be necessary to approach the ecosystem from the perspective of the dune ecosystem in terms of the ecosystem that is reduced due to flooding.