Distant-source swells cause coastal inundation on Fiji’s Coral Coast

摘要: Distant-source swells are known to regularly inundate low-lying Pacific Island communities. Here we examine extreme total water level (TWL) and inundation, driven by a distant-source swell on Fiji’s Coral Coast using observations phase-resolving wave model (XBeach). The objective of this study is increase understanding swell-driven hazards in fringing reef environments, identify the contribution setup infragravity waves TWL, investigate coastal flooding during present future sea levels. The maximum TWL near shore was caused compounding mechanisms, where tides, setup, waves, frequencies contributed TWL. Waves were modulated offshore heights with increased low tide high tide. Numerical simulations able reproduce mechanisms contributing allowed an estimation inundation extent. Simulations same under RCP8.5 sea-level rise scenario suggested area would 97% 2100. A comparison between numerical model, multiple linear regression two commonly used parametric models revealed that both XBeach better suited nearshore than empirical equations. results highlight need for customized, site-specific hazard assessments forecast systems South Pacific.