Tools for assessing sea level rise vulnerability

Abstract

Increasing sea level has the potential to place important infrastructure we rely on every day at risk, yet we lack good data to make decisions on what to do, when, and with what priority. The objectives of the research were to develop a method for estimating the time scales for various increments of sea level rise (SLR) throughout the 21st century, develop an accurate methodology for predicting impacts of SLR at the local level, and develop recommendations as to how existing data sources can be utilized to identify infrastructure vulnerable to SLR. The methodology was applied to southeast Florida using data from the Florida Department of Transportation, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources, integrated with low resolution light detection and ranging data, topographic data, and aerial photographic maps to identify potentially vulnerable infrastructure. Overlaying high resolution light detection and ranging data onto a base map enabled creation of mapping tools to evaluate potentially vulnerable infrastructure. Using these recommendations, a protocol was developed to use groundwater adjusted models in southeast Florida which indicated potential underestimation of the risk of damage to public infrastructure and private and public buildings.

Adaptation of Florida’s Urban Infrastructure to Climate Change

“…Higher groundwater levels equate to reduced soil storage capacity, which means lower capacity for soil to absorb precipitation, thereby increasing the risk of groundwater flooding (Romah 2012). Chang et al (2011) described an overall "lifting process" by which there is a 1:1 ratio in water table elevation that can be correlated to sea level rise, while Bloetscher and Romah (2015) and Romah (2012) noted that groundwater levels in southeast Florida are intrinsically linked to the sea level. Thus, while coastal populations are particularly at risk for flooding due to erosion, inundation, and storm surge, interior populations are susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation.…”

“…Mapping models indicate that infrastructure, primarily roadways (and the associated infrastructure laid underneath them), will be impacted first, followed by property. Higher groundwater elevations created by sea level rise will compromise stormwater and transportation infrastructure in low-lying areas, impacting access to roads, bridges, rail and rail transit (Bloetscher and Romah 2015). Roadway beds can be damaged by inundation and higher water table levels (FDOT 2012).…”

“…This figure shows the current, 1, 2, and 3 ft sea level rise conditions. Of interest is that the inland areas are at far greater risk than perceived by residents, public officials and government agency staffs, given that the groundwater continues to rise and the topography slopes to the west from the coastal ridge (Romah 2012;Bloetscher and Romah 2015).…”

Assessing Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Public Health and Vulnerable Populations in Southeast Florida and Providing a Framework to Improve Outcomes

“…The insurance industry, which has traditionally been focused on a one Much of the research focus has been on coastal communities due to the direct threat of sea level rise (SLR). Bloetscher, et al [13], Bloetscher and Romah [14], and Romah [15] noted that groundwater levels in Southeast Florida are intrinsically linked to the sea level and, thus, while coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation, and storm surge, interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation. Chang, et al [16] describes an overall "lifting process" by which there is a 1:1 ratio in water table elevation that correlated to sea-level rise.…”

“…Chang, et al [16] describes an overall "lifting process" by which there is a 1:1 ratio in water table elevation that correlated to sea-level rise. Higher groundwater levels mean reduced aquifer storage, thereby lessening the capacity of soil to absorb precipitation, and thereby increasing the risk of groundwater flooding [14,15,17]. Due to the associated loss of soil storage capacity caused by sea level rise, more intense storms will overwhelm the current storm water infrastructure.…”