This research uses state-of-the-art observations, numerical models, and model-data assimilation techniques to better understand their cumulative effect on coastal change.
Coastal change is driven by processes that vary significantly in both space and time. Beach and shoreline evolution occur due to seasonal changes in summer/winter wave environments, extreme storm events, changes in natural sand supply and transport, alongshore variations in coastal geomorphology (cliffs, sandy beaches, vegetated marshes, engineered vs. non-engineered coastlines) and elevated water levels caused by long-term sea-level rise.
The complexity of coastal change lies, in part, in understanding how these processes interact with each other to shape the Nation's evolving coastal landscape. As part of the National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards Project (NACCH), the USGS is actively researching methods to integrate the numerous coastal processes that drive and impact coastal change. The goal is to combine advances from the individual research tasks within the NACCH Project (storms, shoreline change and sea-level rise) using state-of-the-art observations, numerical models, and model-data assimilation techniques to better understand their cumulative effect on coastal change.
Objectives
- Develop a generalized methodology to predict short- and long-term coastal change (shoreline and cliff positions and trends) that can be applied at a National scale.
- Identify the coastal change resulting from the cumulative impact of extreme storms versus long-term processes including sea-level rise.
- Relate varying scales of coastal change to the oceanographic processes that drive erosion and accretion.
- Determine the dominant interactions between sandy shorelines, bluffs and cliffs, and varying geomorphic characteristics that impact coastal change.
Below are research tasks and science projects associated with this project.
National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards
Forecasting Coastal Change
National Assessment of Coastal Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise
Long-Term Coastal Change
- Overview
This research uses state-of-the-art observations, numerical models, and model-data assimilation techniques to better understand their cumulative effect on coastal change.
Coastal change is driven by processes that vary significantly in both space and time. Beach and shoreline evolution occur due to seasonal changes in summer/winter wave environments, extreme storm events, changes in natural sand supply and transport, alongshore variations in coastal geomorphology (cliffs, sandy beaches, vegetated marshes, engineered vs. non-engineered coastlines) and elevated water levels caused by long-term sea-level rise.
The complexity of coastal change lies, in part, in understanding how these processes interact with each other to shape the Nation's evolving coastal landscape. As part of the National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards Project (NACCH), the USGS is actively researching methods to integrate the numerous coastal processes that drive and impact coastal change. The goal is to combine advances from the individual research tasks within the NACCH Project (storms, shoreline change and sea-level rise) using state-of-the-art observations, numerical models, and model-data assimilation techniques to better understand their cumulative effect on coastal change.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Schematic describing a methodology to integrate short-term (e.g. measured or modeled wave forcing; left panel) and long-term (e.g. decadal shoreline positions from Ocean Beach, California; middle panel) processes to generate predictions of coastal change and uncertainty around future conditions (right panel). The methodology follows the data assimilation approach developed in Long and Plant, 2012. (Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Spatial and temporal scales associated with examples of hydrodynamic (blue) and morphodynamic (tan) coastal processes. The dashed box represents the range of scales typically relevant to coastal planners and managers. (Public domain.) Objectives
- Develop a generalized methodology to predict short- and long-term coastal change (shoreline and cliff positions and trends) that can be applied at a National scale.
- Identify the coastal change resulting from the cumulative impact of extreme storms versus long-term processes including sea-level rise.
- Relate varying scales of coastal change to the oceanographic processes that drive erosion and accretion.
- Determine the dominant interactions between sandy shorelines, bluffs and cliffs, and varying geomorphic characteristics that impact coastal change.
- Science
Below are research tasks and science projects associated with this project.
National 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.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.National Assessment of Coastal Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise
The original national coastal vulnerability index (CVI) assessment was motivated by expected accelerated sea-level rise (SLR) and the uncertainty in the response of the coastline to SLR. This research was conducted between 1999 and 2001, and is currently being updated using new data sources and methodology. This original study was part of the National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards project.Long-Term Coastal Change
Goals of this task include developing and improving coastal-change assessments and supporting long-term planning and decision making to ensure sustainable coastal economies, infrastructure, and ecosystems. - Publications
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