Hydrodynamic reconstruction of the storm surge of October 20/21, 2023

This paper describes the hydrodynamic reconstruction of the storm surge with extraordinary water levels along the German and Danish Baltic Sea coast on October 20/21, 2023. Based on water level measurements and meteorological reanalyses, the event was reconstructed and validated using a hydrodynamic-numerical model. The complex hydro-logical processes of the storm surge could thus be analyzed in detail to gain insights into the degree of filling of the Baltic Sea, the peak values and the duration times of increased water levels.

The analysis highlights the ongoing complex challenges in coastal protection, particularly against the backdrop of climate change and rising sea levels. Hydrodynamic simulations represent a valuable opportunity to reconstruct historical flood events in detail and thus to integrate them into future considerations. 

In the interests of research, the simulation results are made available transparently and publicly accessible via PANGAEA.