Fundamental applications of the Bruun model to project land loss of coastal cities: A case study of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

Abstract Shoreline erosion is a topic of high urgency in coastal cities that suffer from climate change induced sea-level rise and inundation. Knowledge is needed to protect ecologically sensitive coastal areas with high social and economic value such as the Kuala Terengganu area in Malaysia. The current study applies environmental geospatial modeling to evaluate the impact of changes in sea level on shoreline erosion in Kuala Terengganu. We present an analysis and framework for model formulation adopting the Bruun model for coastal areas that can serve as a blueprint for other studies. The goal was to assess the rate of shoreline erosion and to predict erosion based on changes in sea level. Key assumptions in the model include the beach profile and its equilibrium. We identified several areas at greatest risk for erosion including Kuala Nerus and Pengadang Buluh and discuss measures and challenges for erosion mitigation. The findings of this study can enhance the planning, policy, and decision-making for climate change adaptation in shoreline and coastal areas.