Assessing Nature-Based Coastal Flood Risk Management Measures in Back Bay Environments
Publication: ASCE Inspire 2023
ABSTRACT
Evidence suggests natural and nature-based features (NNBFs) such as coastal wetlands and islands can reduce maximum water levels during storms but the efficacy of these measures is highly variable. Combined storm surge and wave modeling results are presented to (1) quantify the effects of coastal wetlands on current and future water levels for frequent events; (2) determine how coastal wetland management can be used to minimize wetland degradation; and (3) simulate potential wave attenuation benefits of small targeted NNBF designs. Wave attenuation accounted for the majority of water level reduction and NNBF elevation was correlated with wave attenuation benefits. Minimal levels of coastal wetland management reduced wetland loss and lowered water levels compared to no-action. Limited sediment resources should be targeted towards to the most vulnerable areas of the back bay to optimize wave attenuation benefits of existing wetlands into the future.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
ASCE Inspire 2023
Pages: 555 - 563
History
Published online: Nov 14, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bays
- Coastal engineering
- Coastal processes
- Coasts, oceans, ports, and waterways engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Fluid mechanics
- Hydrologic engineering
- Sea water
- Shores
- Storm surges
- Stormwater management
- Water (by type)
- Water and water resources
- Water level
- Water management
- Water supply
- Water treatment
- Wave attenuation
- Waves (fluid mechanics)
- Wetlands (coastal)
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