Storm Tide Pathways map flooding from storm surge and rising seas | Mark Borrelli | TEDxProvincetown

Summary

In this engaging talk, a coastal geologist discusses the impacts of storms and sea level rise on coastal communities, particularly in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He explains how storms, combined with rising sea levels, can cause severe flooding and damage. Through innovative mapping of storm tide pathways, his team helps communities prepare for these events, using tools like LIDAR and GPS. With increasing storm intensity and sea level rise, he stresses the need for urgent action and preparation, highlighting the unpredictable future of climate change. The talk ends with a personal reflection on the importance of addressing these challenges now.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coastal geologist emphasizes how geology explains the dynamics of the Earth, particularly coastal areas.
• 🌊 Storms are the primary drivers of change along coasts, leading to erosion, flooding, and property damage.
• 🌀 Sea level rise increases storm energy and flooding frequency, worsening the impacts of coastal storms.
• 📊 In Provincetown, a mapping method called 'storm tide pathways' helps communities prepare for storm surges and sea level rise.
• 🌍 This mapping method, using LIDAR and GPS, can be applied globally to help communities identify flood-prone areas during storms.
• ⚠️ The term '100-year storm' refers to a storm with a 1% chance of occurring each year, not an event expected once every 100 years.
• 💡 With climate change, 100-year storms are becoming more frequent, raising concerns for future storm preparedness.
• 📈 While storm surges like those seen in hurricanes are catastrophic, gradual sea level rise is harder to engage the public with.
• 💧 Sea level rise is currently happening at an average rate of about a foot per century, with projections of up to 8 feet by 2100.
• 🚨 The effects of sea level rise are most visible during storm events, making it crucial to prepare for both gradual changes and immediate impacts.
• 🗺️ The storm tide pathway mapping method provides accurate, accessible maps that can be used by first responders to prevent flooding and mitigate damage.

Q & A

What is the speaker's profession and why does he love it?

The speaker is a coastal geologist. He loves geology because it explains the way the world works, why it looks the way it does, and how it got to be that way.

What is the main focus of the speaker's talk?

The main focus of the speaker's talk is to explain how coastal areas are impacted by storms, sea level rise, and how mapping storm tide pathways can help communities prepare for these events.

How do storms affect coastal areas?

Storms are the primary drivers of change along coasts. They cause erosion, flooding, damage to properties, and public infrastructure. Storms also bring increased energy and larger waves due to sea level rise.

What is a '100-year storm' and how does it relate to statistics?

A '100-year storm' refers to a storm that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, not a storm that occurs exactly once every 100 years. It's a statistical term used to describe the likelihood of such a storm.

Why is it difficult to engage the public with sea level rise compared to other climate threats like hurricanes?

Sea level rise is harder to engage the public with because it happens gradually and its impacts are not immediately dramatic like storms, which are more direct and visually striking. Sea level rise, for example, might only rise a few millimeters in a year, which is hard for people to notice.

What methods does the speaker's team use to map storm tide pathways?

The team uses LIDAR data (light detection and ranging), GPS technology, and field verification (ground truthing) to map storm tide pathways. These methods allow them to predict how water will flow and where flooding will occur in coastal areas.

How does sea level rise contribute to storm damage?

Sea level rise contributes to storm damage by increasing the height and energy of storm waves, bringing them closer to shore and making flooding and storm surges more frequent and damaging.

What is the difference between the 1978 storm and the 2018 storm in Provincetown?

The 1978 storm reached a high-water level of 15.1 feet, while the 2018 storm reached 15.6 feet. The difference between these two storms is approximately half a foot, which corresponds to the amount of sea level rise that occurred over those 40 years.

Why is it important to reduce uncertainty when mapping storm tide pathways?

Reducing uncertainty is crucial because accurate mapping helps communities make better decisions about how to prepare for storms and sea level rise. Inaccurate maps could lead to inadequate preparations, putting people and property at risk.

What is the long-term goal of mapping storm tide pathways, and how can it be implemented globally?

The long-term goal of mapping storm tide pathways is to help communities worldwide prepare for the impacts of storms and sea level rise. With the right tools, such as LIDAR, GPS, and drones, this method can be implemented anywhere in the world to improve resilience to flooding.