project duration:

01/01/2024-31/12/2026

background:

Extreme climatic events are considered an acute risk factor for coastal ecosystems and societies. The frequency and intensity of these extreme events are continuously increasing due to climate change, while at the same time, population density along coasts is also rising. This combination presents a significant challenge for the scientific assessment of risk and the development of adaptation strategies, making it a global concern for both science and politics.

There is a significant lack of knowledge, particularly regarding the interactions between inland and coastal systems and their effects on socio-ecological areas. These include the potential amplification of a marine storm surge by a terrestrial flood in coastal regions, the temporal coincidence of droughts and marine heatwaves, and the possible cumulative effects of extreme events driven by climate change (e.g., increased frequency of events, rising sea levels).

objective:

The main objective of ElbeXtreme is to comprehensively assess the consequences of extreme events on the ecosystems and ecosystem services of estuarine and coastal systems, as well as the associated risks, and to develop strategies for adapting to these risks in collaboration with all stakeholders. The project will use the Elbe estuarine coastal system as a "living lab." By analyzing existing and new data (utilizing machine learning) and integrating them into coupled models (Digital Twin Elbe), the project aims to significantly improve the understanding of variations in ecosystem services during and after extreme events. As end user, the THW will transfer the data from the digital twin into a VR application to ensure that internal and external users, decision-makers, and consultants have direct access to the results.

project partner:

GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel
Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI)
Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel
Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH - UFZ,
Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde (IOW)
United Nations University (UNU-EHS)
Universität Bremen
Universität Rostock
s.Pro sustainable Projects GmbH
Sea & Sun Technology GmbH
Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH)
Thünen Institut für Fischereiökologie

Funded by: BMBF