Rising Sea Levels in Tunisia: Four Main Causes
Zouhair Hallaoui, a professor at the University of Tunis and climate scientist, stated on Monday, February 16, 2026, that the rise in sea levels in Tunisia can be attributed to four main factors, combining natural and human-induced pressures.
Four Factors Contributing to Rising Sea Levels in Tunisia
According to the expert, who spoke on Jawhara FM, strong winds, particularly those from the north and northeast, play a significant role. By pushing large masses of water towards the coast, they cause temporary accumulation, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas of the Tunisian coastline.
The second factor is the swell and high-amplitude waves. Strong agitation in the open sea projects large volumes of water towards the shores, further exposing vulnerable coastal regions.
Atmospheric depressions also contribute to this phenomenon. The decrease in pressure over the sea causes a mechanical rise in sea levels. This process is amplified when the sea temperature is significantly higher than that of the land, favoring increased expansion of marine masses.
Finally, human activity significantly exacerbates the vulnerability of the coastline. Urbanization and coastal development have often been carried out without considering the growing risk of rising sea levels, thereby weakening ecosystems and infrastructure.
A 30 cm Rise in Sea Levels by 2050
Zouhair Hallaoui also warned about the projections of recent climate studies. According to these estimates, Tunisia could experience a rise in sea levels of up to 30 centimeters by 2050, a scenario with potentially severe consequences for coastal areas.
Read also: Rising Sea Levels and Storms: Tunis Secures its Old Port and Low-Lying Neighborhoods
