Using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process multi-criteria and automatic computation to analyse coastal vulnerability

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated method to assess the vulnerability of coastal risks by applying the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and spatial analysis techniques with a geographic information system (GIS). The coast of Mohammedia, located in Morocco, was chosen as the study site to implement and validate the proposed framework by applying a GIS-FAHP-based methodology. Coastal risk vulnerability mapping reflects multi-parametric causative factors such as sea level rise, significan twave height, tidal range, shoreline evolution, elevation, geomorphology and distance to an urban area. The results show that the coastline of Mohammedia is characterised by low, moderate and high levels of vulnerability to coastal risk. The high vulnerability areas are situated in the east at Monica and Sablettes beaches. This technical approach helps decision-makers to find optimal strategies and to minimise coastal risks. In comparison with other assessment methods, this approach involves rapid data processing and provides an improved means of sustainable and multi-objective coastal management.