Coastal flooding happens when normally dry, low-lying coastal areas are flooded by the sea. This usually happens as a result of a severe storm but rising sea levels could also cause ‘sunny day’ flooding from high tides.
Coastal erosion is a natural, ongoing process that occurs when the sea wears away the land. Some coastal areas experience short periods of erosion, but then recover (build up again) while others continuously erode and never recover. Coastal erosion may become more severe as a result of the impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and increased storminess.
Rising groundwater can bring the water table closer to the ground surface. Near the coast, the level of the sea often influences groundwater levels. We can therefore expect to see the groundwater rising as sea levels rise. At its most extreme, groundwater could rise above ground level and cause temporary or permanent ponding of water.