Tidal Flooding
Category: Geography | Disaster Management | Climate Change
UPSC Notes
Tidal flooding occurs when seawater inundates normally dry coastal land during high tides. It can occur even without heavy rainfall or a major storm, particularly in low-lying coastal settlements.
Rising sea levels increase the frequency and reach of tidal flooding by raising the baseline from which tides operate.
Key Pointers
Definition: Inundation of coastal land due to tidal water levels.
Related term: High-tide flooding or nuisance flooding.
Major causes: High astronomical tides, sea-level rise, land subsidence and local coastal geography.
Amplifying factors: Storm surges, strong onshore winds and low atmospheric pressure.
Urban impacts: Drainage disruption, road closures, saltwater intrusion and damage to infrastructure.
Climate connection: Global sea-level rise increases the likelihood of high-tide inundation in many coastal areas.
Adaptation measures: Mangrove restoration, improved drainage, coastal buffers, flood-resilient infrastructure and land-use planning.
Indian relevance: Low-lying coastal cities, delta regions and settlements along the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Tidal Flooding vs. Storm Surge
| Feature | Tidal flooding | Storm surge |
|---|---|---|
| Main driver | High tide, often combined with sea-level rise | Strong winds and low pressure associated with storms |
| Typical timing | Can recur regularly | Associated with storm events |
| Major risk | Repeated coastal inundation | Potentially rapid and severe flooding |
UPSC focus: Coastal vulnerability, disaster-risk reduction, sea-level rise and climate adaptation.
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