Una metodologia sperimentale per la definizione del rischio di inondazione costiera

The experimental method for coastal risks due to inundation of the inshore land was carried out using a new parameter: impact index, based on wave climate, bathymetry and sediment data. In particular, impact index depends on run up height, seasonal and long term erosion index, and efficiency of coastal structures. The critical wave height obtained (minimum hazardous wave height capable of jeopardizing the shoreline) was asso- ciated to the hazard level through its return period: higher return periods correspond to lower hazard levels. Socio-economic vulnerability is the exposed value multiplied by potential damage; the latter represents the value of infrastructures that may be damaged by hazard, whereas the former is the percentage of the loss of an element or a group of elements that should occur in case of hazard. Therefore, in this new method, hazard is evaluated not only by storm severity, but also by physical characteristics of the shoreline. These results suggest that decision-makers could reduce vulnerability by choosing a type of coastal planning that does shift development away from high-risk areas. Two applications of the method have been performed: the coastal communities of the Guardia Piemontese and Mo- nasterace in the South of Italy.