Pineda Leiva, D., Lorenz, M., Kösters, F., Winter, C., Lepper, R. (2025) Asymmetric morphodynamics of the Wadden Sea. Commun Earth Environ 6, 354. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02340-y 

Shallow coastal systems with tidal flats and barrier islands are valuable assets to coastal protection and unique habitats with thriving biodiversity. Sea level rise threatens to diminish these systems unless sediment accretion compensates submergence. Over the past three decades, most intertidal areas in the Wadden Sea accreted faster than the rate of sea level rise, especially near channel-flat and flat-marsh boundaries. Greatest erosion occurred at intermediate elevations, while peak accretion was observed just below tidal low water and above tidal high water levels. This resulted in a systematic steepening of the topography, noteworthy accretion, and a net sediment import of 19.7 million cubic meters per year.