IMPLICATIONS OF GRAVITY WAVES POTENTIAL ENERGY ON COASTAL RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) are pivotal in regulating atmospheric energy transfer, influencing climate dynamics, and directly impacting tropical and coastal regions. This study focuses on the West African region, investigating GW seasonal variation using five years (January 2019–December 2023) of ERA5 reanalysis data. Gravity Waves Potential Energy (GWPE), calculated from vertical temperature profiles of the West African region with Linear Perturbation Analysis, reveals that atmospheric disturbances are induced by GWs, with maximum GW activity and upward energy propagation occurring during the June-July-August (JJA) period. These findings align with previous observations, which reported seasonal energy density variations from 9 Jkg−1 to 15 – 26 Jkg−1 peaks over the same JJA period. The seasonal variations in GWPE have significant implications within the context of climate change, particularly for coastal resilience and sustainability because of the direct relationship between GWPE variations and seasonal sea levels. As climate change intensifies, coastal communities increasingly face the impacts of shifting atmospheric-ocean dynamics. The analysis of GWPE trends and their impact on rising sea levels will enable coastal planners to predict shifts in erosion patterns and adjust their strategies for coastal protection. By connecting GW seasonal patterns to broader climate processes, this study contributes valuable insights for supporting sustainable economic practices in coastal regions, which are climate-sensitive regions.