Storm surge and sea level rise

Expected climate change is likely to result in more frequent and stronger storms, which, together with sea level rise, will make storm surges an increasing problem in Norway.

Statistics and hazard maps for storm surges in Norway are available through the Norwegian Mapping Authority's online services: SeHavnivå and SeHavnivå in maps. Data from the Norwegian Mapping Authority's pages do not consider local effects, the connection between floods in rivers and storm surges, and the effect of this or the impact of wind waves. NGI's expertise in storm surges and waves includes all of these effects. Our analyses typically use an estimated sea level for the year 2100.

NGI's storm surge expertise

is related to:

• advanced numerical models for the analysis of storm surges due to a combination of astronomical and meteorological factors
• wind-generated waves, also in combination with storm surge
• connection of storm surge with water flow (flood) at river outlet
• erosion potential
• weather analysis
• modeling of wind fields

Storm surge services

• preparation of detailed hazard zone maps related to limit values ​​in building regulations (TEK17)
• analysis of flushing of storm surges and waves inland, e.g., against critical facilities or other infrastructure
• evaluation of erosion potential
• security measures against storm surges, wind waves, and erosion

Research and development

NGI's strategic research project Multi-scale Erosion Risk during Climate Change "- MERRiC / MERRIK (2017-2019) focused, among other things, on increased competence in storm surges and wind waves. Here, modelling of erosion potential in storm surges and wind waves based on grain size was considered.