The National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards (NACCH) project develops hindcast, real-time, and forecast assessments of the magnitude or probability of coastal landscape change in response to persistent processes (e.g., shoreline change), extreme storms (e.g., Hurricane Sandy), and sea level rise. This effort depends on parallel collection of long- and short-term observations of coastal change, often in response to extreme storm events.
Observation of coastal change drivers, such as wave and water level measurements, are also required and are obtained through CMHRP efforts and via external collaborations. The observations are guided by model requirements for input data and by assessments that predict areas likely to suffer significant coastal landscape change. The models are developed and tested using archived and updated data. Improved data and models are incorporated in updated or revised assessments. For example, the NACCH project responded to Hurricane Sandy with a forecast assessment of coastal change and updated observations.
Explore the CMHRP Decadal Strategic Plan geonarrative
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes the Decadal Science Strategy of the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
Forecasting Coastal Change
National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards
- Overview
The National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards (NACCH) project develops hindcast, real-time, and forecast assessments of the magnitude or probability of coastal landscape change in response to persistent processes (e.g., shoreline change), extreme storms (e.g., Hurricane Sandy), and sea level rise. This effort depends on parallel collection of long- and short-term observations of coastal change, often in response to extreme storm events.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Forecast assessment of storm vulnerability, New Jersey. The vulnerability of the coastline to erosion due to wave runup and storm surge: collision (waves reach base of dune), overwash (waves overtop dunes), and inundation (storm surge exceeds dune height). Collision and overwash were expected at all locations, and inundation was expected at a number of locations. Credit: USGS Observation of coastal change drivers, such as wave and water level measurements, are also required and are obtained through CMHRP efforts and via external collaborations. The observations are guided by model requirements for input data and by assessments that predict areas likely to suffer significant coastal landscape change. The models are developed and tested using archived and updated data. Improved data and models are incorporated in updated or revised assessments. For example, the NACCH project responded to Hurricane Sandy with a forecast assessment of coastal change and updated observations.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Oblique aerial photographs of Seaside Heights, New Jersey. View looking west along the New Jersey shore prior to (left) and after (right) Hurricane Sandy’s landfall. Storm waves and surge destroyed the dunes, boardwalk, and houses, and deposited sand on the island, covering roads. The red arrow points to a building that was washed off of its foundation and moved about a block away from its original location. Credit: USGS - Science
Explore the CMHRP Decadal Strategic Plan geonarrative
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes the Decadal Science Strategy of the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
Forecasting Coastal Change
This project focuses on understanding the magnitude and variability of extreme storm impacts on sandy beaches. The overall objective is to improve real-time and scenario-based predictions of coastal change to support management of coastal infrastructure, resources, and safety.ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Michael, Hurricane Nate, Hurricane SandyNational Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards
Research to identify areas that are most vulnerable to coastal change hazards including beach and dune erosion, long-term shoreline change, and sea-level rise.ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Sandy