Impacts of Future Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Floodplain

Conclusions

MGS developed GIS coverages and datasets that identify and quantify the impacts of a projected 2-ft rise in sea level within the defined study area. In addition, we inspected the impacts of 1-ft and 3-ft rises in sea level on existing marsh habitat and flooding implications.

Results of this demonstration project could be utilized for various land-use planning, conservation, and restoration considerations. Areas of upland (both developed and undeveloped) and mapped back-dune identified as being vulnerable to marsh transgression could be targeted as prime areas for restoration, conservation and/or land-use planning. Back-dune areas could help identify areas for improved Dune Rule regulation on bulkheads, building elevations, impervious surfaces, and possible limits to riprap. Changes in floodplains and identification of potential hazard areas (overwash, breach zones) resulting from sea level rise could be useful for the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and for State and County emergency management plans.

MGS also expects that results from this demonstration project could be used as leverage for expanded LIDAR surveys in Maine for wetlands protection and efforts to adapt to higher sea levels induced by climate change.

References

Dickson, S.M., 2005, Tide Calculator for the Maine Coastline: Wells, ME: Maine Geological Survey.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2001, Global Average Sea Level Rise (1990-2100) for the Six SRES Scenarios (Figure TS24).

Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 2005, Chapter 355: Provisionally Adopted Rules, November 17, 2005 (pdf format-73Kb).

Maine Office of Geographic Information Systems, 2003, ORTHO_1F High Resolution Digital Orthophotographs of Maine.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2004, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data for the Maine Coast.

Contents Introduction Methodology Results Discussion Finding and Recommendations Conclusions References

Last updated on April 21, 2006