Characterization of Risks in Coastal Zones: A Review

Interest in sustainable development for the natural, socio‐economic, and cultural resources of coastal zones is growing worldwide. On the other hand, the range of threats to coastal zones increasingly posed by hydro‐meteorological natural phenomena has led to a trend in the analysis and assessment of risks to these areas. The available literature dealing with coastal risk assessment is quite wide, focusing mainly on the risk evaluation of coastal flooding and erosion resulting directly from the occurrence of extreme natural events. The risk assessment methodologies are usually specific to the conditions and available data of each country, society or location, though most have evolved to assess the risk concept more precisely and rigorously. However, there are still very few studies that present feasible and effective methodologies, which lead to the effective integration of risk analysis at all levels. In Mexico coastal risk analysis has barely begun despite our extensive coastline, which is highly vulnerable to the threat of tropical cyclones. This paper aims to give a broad view of the risk assessment methodologies which already exist, in order to provide a starting point for future efforts in Mexico and elsewhere.