Social, geomorphic, and climatic factors driving U.S. coastal city vulnerability to storm surge flooding

Abstract Coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters because of climate change. For many, this includes storm surge flooding fueled by tropical storms and hurricanes. A complex mesh of social, geomorphic, and climatic factors are driving this increase in vulnerability, such as population growth, irresponsible urban development, a decrease in essential service provision, shoreline erosion, sea level rise, and changing storm regimes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationships between these factors, highlighting the many ways in which they contribute to somewhat unexpected vulnerabilities for coastal settlements. This includes a discussion and several examples of how short-term strategic planning, which dominates political action and economic decision-making, can exacerbate coastal vulnerability.