24.12.2025 14:40
In the analyses conducted using satellite altimetry techniques in Zonguldak, it was determined that the level of the Black Sea has risen by an average of 10-12 centimeters over the last 27 years.
Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu, a faculty member of the Department of Geodesy Engineering at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, examined the sea level of the Black Sea from 1993 to 2020 using the satellite altimetry technique, which allows for daily measurement of sea level.
Kutoğlu, who determined that the sea level has risen by approximately 10-12 centimeters based on the data obtained, presented this study at the 16th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology held in Tokyo, Japan, from November 22-24.
Kutoğlu told AA correspondent that the oceans are rising by about 3 millimeters per year due to climate change worldwide.
"SEA LEVEL MAY RISE BY 2 METERS"
Kutoğlu stated that sea levels are also rising, leading to serious flooding in coastal areas, and noted that analyses predict that if carbon emissions continue at this rate, glacial melt will increase, and sea levels are expected to rise by around 2 meters by the year 2100.
Kutoğlu emphasized the significance of a 2-meter rise in sea level, stating that a unit rise in sea level means the sea will encroach 50 to 100 times further inland in terms of coastal erosion.
NORTH BLACK SEA REGION MAY BE MORE AFFECTED BY COASTAL EROSION
Kutoğlu pointed out that there has not been much research on this situation in the Black Sea, saying:
"We collected data on the Black Sea's sea level up to the year 1993. We conducted a time series analysis of these data. Our findings show that the Black Sea is rising by about 2.5 to 3 millimeters per year, comparable to the oceans. Therefore, the threats faced by cities on the Black Sea coast are similar to those on ocean coastlines. From 1993 to 2020, the Black Sea has risen by an average of 10-12 centimeters." Kutoğlu mentioned that countries with investments along the Black Sea coast are reviewing their investments, and it would be beneficial for these countries to consider coastal investments, coastal erosion, and potential flooding from the sea.
Kutoğlu noted that the coastal elevations in the North Black Sea region are lower, thus coastal erosion will be higher in those areas.
Kutoğlu pointed out that there are low-lying areas along Turkey's coasts that could be damaged due to rising sea levels, emphasizing that sea level must be taken into account; otherwise, continuous maintenance and protective measures like breakwaters will be necessary for investments.
ROMANIA AND THE BALKANS ARE MORE AT RISK
Kutoğlu stated that particularly in the Russian region, areas around the Sea of Azov, Romania, and the Balkans, marked in yellow and red on the map, pose a higher threat, and there may also be a significant risk of flooding in the Georgian region.
"THERE ARE RISKY AREAS IN TURKEY AS WELL"
Kutoğlu mentioned that while not as much as the North Black Sea, there are also areas in Turkey that contain risk factors, stating:
"There are low-lying areas along our Black Sea coasts. In these areas, in the future, the sea level is likely to encroach further inland, and during stormy times, the sea may damage more inland areas. What needs to be done to prevent this? Coastal fortifications are certainly being constructed where coastal erosion is observed, but in future investments, it would be healthier to consider this rise in sea level and make investments and infrastructure projects in higher areas further inland from the coast. This would help us avoid continuous maintenance costs."
"IT COULD AFFECT 160 MILLION PEOPLE"
Kutoğlu pointed out that there are approximately 160 million people living along the Black Sea basin coasts, stating, "As you know, the majority of this population resides in coastal areas. Therefore, it is possible that 160 million people will be affected due to this rising sea level."