Related Data
Related Tools
Related Training
Related Approaches
Partners in This Effort
- The Nature Conservancy
- Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University
- NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
- NOAA Coastal Services Center
- U.S. Geological Survey
For More Information
Adam Whelchel
The Nature Conservancy
Connecticut Chapter
(203) 568-6296
coastalresilience@tnc.org
www.coastalresilience.org
Assessing Coastal Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise in Southern New England
Assessing Coastal Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise in Southern New England:
A Case Study from The Nature Conservancy
Dynamic polar ice sheet processes could further contribute to global sea level rise. The Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets contain enough ice to raise sea level by 7 meters and 3.3 meters, respectively, if melted completely.
Scientists predict that sea level rise will intensify wetland loss, saltwater intrusion, and the problems caused by waves, storm surge, and shoreline erosion. Southern New England faces a number of impacts from sea level rise (SLR), including habitat fragmentation, habitat conversion, complete loss of certain coastal ecosystems and species, and threats to human communities. Assessing the vulnerability of natural and human communities to SLR is critical for planning and adapting to the effects of climate change.
The ability to accurately identify low-lying lands is critical for assessing the vulnerability of coastal regions. To do this, coastal managers need elevation data and other coastal zone information, but these data are not always available at resolutions appropriate for making state and regional governance decisions on climate issues. Without this information, managers struggle when making required adaptation-planning decisions to protect communities and provide solutions that incorporate developed and natural infrastructure.
Data inventory by agency or organization
Part One: Regional Mapping Techniques
This technical study by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) highlights the limitations and opportunities of mapping sea level rise (SLR) at regional scales and has implications for the development of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. These strategies promote the sustainable use of natural resources to help communities cope with SLR impacts.
- How Did They Do It? View technical details to discover how TNC developed a seamless regional elevation dataset and assessed its potential for improved inundation mapping.
- What Did They Find? View study results to learn how TNC paired SLR projections with the regional digital elevation model to map inundation and SLR, and to spatially represent areas of mapping uncertainty.
- What’s Next? Part two of this case study is soon to follow. In it, TNC will use the results of this regional mapping effort to assess implications for future shoreline protection, habitat vulnerability, and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.