HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
4.2.4 Sea Level Rise
There is large inter-annual variability in sea level as well as a long term trend of increasing
relative sea level (Figure 4.12) The observed long-term trend in sea level is 1.7 mm/yr (Hay,
2006). This value is towards the upper end of the predicted global sea level rise values as
described in the IPCC report (IPCC, 2007). Extreme sea levels are also present in the mean
hourly sea-level data from Hulhulé’ which shows a long term trend of 7 mm/yr (Hay, 2006).
These values suggest abnormal storm or swell activities which has the potential to cause
flooding in low lying islands.
Figure 4.12: Daily mean values of sea level for Hulhulé (1989 to 2005), relative to mean sea level. Also shown is the linear
trend in sea level over the same period
(Source: Hay, 2006)
4.2.5 Bathymetry
A detailed bathymetric survey of the proposed borrow sites was undertaken during April 2015.
Survey results have been summarised in bathy charts Appendix G and Figure 4.13. The depth
figures presented are in meters below MSL.
The Male’ SE corner has a gently sloping reef protruding towards the channel. The slope extends
from one m to 10 m at distance of 380 m. Thereafter, the slope becomes steeper, going from 10
to 35 m within a span of 160 m. The slope levels off at 35-40 m within the reef pass about 580 m
from the shallow reef flat of Male’ Reef.
In contrast Hulhule SE corner, which is less exposed to strong swells, has a much steeper slope.
The slope extends from 1 m to -35 m within a span of 140 m. The average depth of the reef pass
is 40 m.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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