Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new methodology for building computer models that paves the way to better understanding the flood risks faced by coastal communities.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new methodology for building computer models that paves the way to better understanding the flood risks faced by coastal communities.
That’s important because towns along the coast are often situated near estuaries, which makes them vulnerable to both storm tide inundation and river flooding.
Estuaries occur where rivers flow into the ocean, meaning the rivers are influenced by tidal flooding and also experience frequent, periodic changes in salinity, sunlight and oxygen.
The study site for this research was Washington state’s Grays Harbor, but the methodology can be applied to any area subject to estuarine flooding.
“Flooding in areas like the Pacific Northwest is complicated since many processes contribute, such as tides, large waves and river flow,” said Kai Parker, corresponding author of the study published in Coastal Engineering. “We need to be able to predict water levels on several time scales.”
Read more at Oregon State University
