Natural Adaptive Capability of Coral Reef Islands to Sea-level Rise and Implications for Future Human Occupation

It is a widespread expectation that sea-level rise will render low-lying islands formed on coral reef platforms uninhabitable within decades due to increased flooding. Such projections are largely founded on assumptions that islands are geologically inert landforms, whereas in reality they have the ability to morphologically respond to changing sea levels. Specifically, overwash processes can raise the island crest level, implying that islands are dynamic and will not drown in place. Such change in perception has implications for how reef island communities can adapt to climate change. This project will investigate this natural adaptation of coral reef islands to sea-level rise.

Small-scale laboratory experiments will be conducted to investigate how coral reef islands adapt to sea-level rise. The physical model results will be used to validate a morphodynamic numerical model which will be used to further explore the relevant factors controlling island adaption. Informed by fieldwork in the Maldives, the numerical model will be used to evaluate, for different sea-level and wave climate scenarios, the future trajectories of several coral reef island types. Finally, the societal implications of these trajectories will be assessed and human adaptation strategies will be explored.

This PhD project provides the opportunity to gain a range of advanced skills as the project includes small-scale physical modelling in a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory, advanced numerical modelling and field surveys on a reef island. The PhD candidate will also spend a significant amount of time with the external partners, further augmenting their knowledge and skills. By the end of the project, the PhD candidate should be imminently employable as a post-doctoral researcher or a high-level coastal/marine adviser in a GO, NGO or consultancy.