Publications of the Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration group at Louisiana State University http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/ Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (CLEAR) A Grand Challenge workshop was recently held on the LSU campus. The workshop focused on improving local emergency operations & regional planning by addressing the needs of decision support personnel, current modeling/research capabilities, interfacing support tools ­ with decision makers, & data needs to enhance modeling-decision support tools. Click the thumbnail to view a webcast of the presentations. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/78/grand_challenges_in_coastal_resiliency_i_2009-01-20/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/78/grand_challenges_in_coastal_resiliency_i_2009-01-20/ Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 This report advances our analysis of model uncertainty associated with the calibration & use of null models for forecasting changes to surface water salinity in a region East of the Mississippi River delta plain, including the Lake Pontchartrain watershed & Caernarvon-Breton Sound http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/76/an_uncertainty_analysis_framework_for_the_clear_ecosystem_model_using_subprovince_1_as_test_domain_skill_assessment_2008-11-20/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/76/an_uncertainty_analysis_framework_for_the_clear_ecosystem_model_using_subprovince_1_as_test_domain_skill_assessment_2008-11-20/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600 This report describes the development of FVCOM (a 3-D model) for the Pontchartrain Estuary (Subprovinces 1 and 5) that is capable of a long-term mass conservative simulation of salinities.  This report also describes the development of a 1-D tidal, salinity & water quality model that analyzes the general effects of freshwater diversions on the water quality of the Pontchartrain Estuary over a 17-year period. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/64/assessment_of_integrated_hydrodynamic_transport_for_long_term_predictions_fvcom_water_quality_modeling_of_the_pontchartrain_estuary_2008-10-22/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/64/assessment_of_integrated_hydrodynamic_transport_for_long_term_predictions_fvcom_water_quality_modeling_of_the_pontchartrain_estuary_2008-10-22/ Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Using a mechanistically based numerical model, this work shows that controlled avulsions of the river below New Orleans can build significant new land & help reverse this deterioration. Using a range of inputs spanning plausible rates of subsidence, sea-level rise, & sediment supply, the model predicts that ~700 to 1220 km2 of new land could be built over the span of a century. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/63/land_building_in_the_delta_of_the_mississippi_river_is_it_feasible_2008-10-21/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/63/land_building_in_the_delta_of_the_mississippi_river_is_it_feasible_2008-10-21/ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This poster highlights the synthesis of historical & current vegetation & sedimentation change in the Atchafalaya & Wax Lake deltas, as well as the potential for incorporating these data into the CLEAR landscape change modeling efforts. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/posters/publication/52/sediment_elevation_plant_community_change_during_rapid_delta_growth_2008-10-10/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/posters/publication/52/sediment_elevation_plant_community_change_during_rapid_delta_growth_2008-10-10/ Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This map represents work done by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to analyze changes in the configuration of land & water in coastal Louisiana by using a sequential series of 14 data sets summarizing land & water areas from 1956 to 2006.  THis map accompanies the 2008 USGS Land Area Change pamphlet. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/posters/publication/61/land_area_change_in_coastal_louisiana_a_multidecadal_perspective_from_1956_2006_2008-08-01/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/posters/publication/61/land_area_change_in_coastal_louisiana_a_multidecadal_perspective_from_1956_2006_2008-08-01/ Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This pamphlet hightlights the work that U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) did to analyze changes in the configuration of land & water in coastal Louisiana by using a sequential series of 14 data sets summarizing land & water areas from 1956 to 2006. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/62/land_area_change_in_coastal_louisiana_a_multidecadal_perspective_from_1956_2006_2008-08-01/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/62/land_area_change_in_coastal_louisiana_a_multidecadal_perspective_from_1956_2006_2008-08-01/ Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report examines the effect of different pulsing regimes on surface water salinity in the Barataria Basin using a 1-D box model. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/13/response_of_salinity_in_barataria_basin_to_alternative_3_freshwater_diversions_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/13/response_of_salinity_in_barataria_basin_to_alternative_3_freshwater_diversions_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report details the development of a vertically averaged 2-D, coupled hydrodynamic / transport model. This model is used to assess the impact of landscape change on the hydrology & ecology of Louisiana wetlands. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/14/a_two_dimensional_vertically_integrated_hydrodynamic_transport_model_for_long_time_scale_simulations_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/14/a_two_dimensional_vertically_integrated_hydrodynamic_transport_model_for_long_time_scale_simulations_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report describes the details of two web-based visualization applications developed by the CLEAR Program. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/15/visualization_of_model_output_clear_mapserver_google_maps_api_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/15/visualization_of_model_output_clear_mapserver_google_maps_api_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report largely focuses on the changes there were made to the CLEAR landscape change module in between the 2004 modeling analyses & those conducted in 2007 – 2008. This report also includes descriptions of input data, restoration & protection measures considered, & landscape change output both in the form of coast wide maps and summary statistics.  http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/18/forecasting_50_years_of_landscape_change_in_coastal_louisiana_no_increased_action_preliminary_draft_master_plan_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/18/forecasting_50_years_of_landscape_change_in_coastal_louisiana_no_increased_action_preliminary_draft_master_plan_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report provides a brief explanation of the assumptions & algorithms used in the habitat switching module, as well as the modifications that have been made since the 2004 LCA analyses (described in Habitat Switching Module, 2003). Finally, the results of the current analysis of a future of no increased restorative action as well as a future under the Preliminary Draft Master Plan are detailed. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/21/forecasting_50_years_of_habitat_switching_in_coastal_louisiana_no_increased_action_preliminary_draft_master_plan_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/21/forecasting_50_years_of_habitat_switching_in_coastal_louisiana_no_increased_action_preliminary_draft_master_plan_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This paper describes two approaches that were taken to integrate multi-stanza population dynamics predictions into the Ecospace framework, to allow realistic population models for changes in abundance & growth for key species over both space & time, while representing other ecosystem functional groups using simpler biomass dynamics equations with spatial mixing processes. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/23/representation_of_multi_stanza_life_histories_in_ecospace_models_for_spatial_organization_of_ecosystem_trophic_interaction_patterns_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/23/representation_of_multi_stanza_life_histories_in_ecospace_models_for_spatial_organization_of_ecosystem_trophic_interaction_patterns_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This study is a proof of concept using the ADCIRC surge computer model to simulate Hurricane Rita across three different landscape scenarios in coastal Louisiana. The first scenario is the current landscape conditions, the second is the 50-year future landscape given no increased restorative action, & the third is teh 50-year future landscape given the restoration projects proposed in the Preliminary Draft Master Plan. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/44/computation_of_storm_surge_using_two_50_year_future_projections_of_the_coastal_louisiana_landscape_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/44/computation_of_storm_surge_using_two_50_year_future_projections_of_the_coastal_louisiana_landscape_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report supports the development of adaptive management strategies for coastal Louisiana by provding (a) an assessment of the scientific & technical issues for analyzing coastal programs & functions; (b) a review of restoration efforts from other regions of the country; & (c) draft conclusions & implications. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/45/technical_scientific_challenges_for_responding_to_large_scale_ecological_restoration_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/45/technical_scientific_challenges_for_responding_to_large_scale_ecological_restoration_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This report uses conceptual ecological models (CEMs) to articulate the current understanding of changes that would result from a large-scale diversion of water & sediment out of the channel of the Mississippi River into the wetlands & estuaries contained in the deltaic plain. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/65/conceptual_ecological_model_for_river_diversions_into_barataria_basin_louisiana_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/65/conceptual_ecological_model_for_river_diversions_into_barataria_basin_louisiana_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This Executive Summary describes work done during the CLEAR Volume IV conceptual ecological model (CEM) tasks, including: science communication newsletters, technical CEMs, interactive web development, & adaptive management. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/79/conceptual_ecological_models_executive_summary_2008-06-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/79/conceptual_ecological_models_executive_summary_2008-06-30/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation examines the utility of mass-balance salinity estuarine models for forecasting salinities under future restoration scenarios, & investigate sources & magnitudes of uncertainty in salinity forecasts. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/75/uncertainty_assessment_of_salinity_predictions_in_barataria_estuarine_system_louisiana_2008-05-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/75/uncertainty_assessment_of_salinity_predictions_in_barataria_estuarine_system_louisiana_2008-05-30/ Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation gives an overview of the input data & spacial scales used in the CLEAR modeling framework. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/72/overview_of_clear_input_data_2008-03-18/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/72/overview_of_clear_input_data_2008-03-18/ Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation provides an overview of the CLEAR Program structure & the modular framework. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/73/overview_coastal_louisiana_ecosystem_assessment_restoration_clear_program_2008-03-18/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/73/overview_coastal_louisiana_ecosystem_assessment_restoration_clear_program_2008-03-18/ Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation provides an overview of the CLEAR landscape change, habitat switching, & habitat use modules. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/74/clear_ecosystem_models_overview_2008-03-18/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/74/clear_ecosystem_models_overview_2008-03-18/ Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 This appendix details the work done by the CLEAR group to assess the potential impacts of the CPRA Alternatives 1 & 2 on coastal salinity, landscape change, habitat switching & habitat use. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/51/integrated_ecosystem_restoration_hurricane_protection_louisiana_s_comprehensive_master_plan_for_a_sustainable_coast_appendix_g_coastal_louisiana_ecosystem_assessment_restoration_clear_report_2007-04-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/51/integrated_ecosystem_restoration_hurricane_protection_louisiana_s_comprehensive_master_plan_for_a_sustainable_coast_appendix_g_coastal_louisiana_ecosystem_assessment_restoration_clear_report_2007-04-30/ Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500 The Master Plan presents a series of recommended hurricane protection & coastal restoration measures. Maps & explanations about the measures, as well as a management strategy for implementing them are also provided. Taken together, the Master Plan presents a conceptual vision of a sustainable coast based on the best available science & engineering. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/60/integrated_ecosystem_restoration_hurricane_protection_louisiana_s_comprehensive_master_plan_for_a_sustainable_coast_2007-04-30/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/60/integrated_ecosystem_restoration_hurricane_protection_louisiana_s_comprehensive_master_plan_for_a_sustainable_coast_2007-04-30/ Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation gives a 2007 overview of numerical modeling & water budget analysis of the Louisiana Chenier Plain, using the DHI MIKE FLOOD (MIKE11, MIKE21 HD/AD) suite. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/67/numerical_modeling_water_budget_analysis_of_the_louisiana_chenier_plain_2007-03-28/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/67/numerical_modeling_water_budget_analysis_of_the_louisiana_chenier_plain_2007-03-28/ Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation is an overview of applying a box model to assess salinity changes in Barataria Basin as a result of different pulsing regimes of a suite of river diversions. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/69/box_model_water_quality_development_2007-03-28/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/69/box_model_water_quality_development_2007-03-28/ Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation highlights recommend approaches to assist decision-makers at all levels in Louisiana's coastal restoration programs in formulating, evaluating, & selecting plans for implementation. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/70/concepts_for_future_decision_making_benefits_analysis_for_louisiana_coastal_restoration_2007-03-28/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/70/concepts_for_future_decision_making_benefits_analysis_for_louisiana_coastal_restoration_2007-03-28/ Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation provides a 2007 overview of the assumptions & algorithms in the CLEAR landscape change model. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/71/clear_landscape_change_model_2007-03-28/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/71/clear_landscape_change_model_2007-03-28/ Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This presentation describes the development of a tool (or set of tools) to quantify & manage the river resources (freshwater & sediment), assess impact of diversions & sand mining on morphology, water quality, & salinity http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/68/hydrodynamic_hydrodynamic_sediment_modeling_of_the_lower_mississippi_2007-03-27/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/presentations/publication/68/hydrodynamic_hydrodynamic_sediment_modeling_of_the_lower_mississippi_2007-03-27/ Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 This newsletter is based on the findings of the Conceptual Ecological Model Focus Group-March 2006 and considers restoration options in the context of the valuable national ecosystem services supplied from Coastal Louisiana. Ecosystem goods & services provided to Louisiana & the nation by coastal landscapes include wildlife & fisheries habitat, support for petrochemical production,improved water quality & flood protection, ecotourism & aesthetic appeal. The flood protection afforded by intact coastal lanes is a key aspect of coastal Louisiana restoration; however, the multitude of ecological services provided by intact coastal landscapes produces the most compelling argument for an integrated & comprehensive restoration plan. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/newsletters/publication/2/restore_vs_retreat_securing_ecosystem_services_provided_by_coastal_louisiana_2007-02-05/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/newsletters/publication/2/restore_vs_retreat_securing_ecosystem_services_provided_by_coastal_louisiana_2007-02-05/ Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 This report considers the needs of future LCA Program decision making, & it recommends approaches that could assist decision-makers at all levels in the program in formulating, evaluating, & selecting plans for implementation. The report begins with a brief review of some existing tools & approaches, followed by observations based on this review of the important issues to consider in developing a decision-making procedure. The recommendations in the report comprise a procedure to guide LCA planning & decision making in the future, & some suggested new tools to be considered and tested for use in this procedure. http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/29/concepts_for_future_decision_making_benefits_analysis_for_louisiana_coastal_restoration_2006-12-19/ http://www.clear.lsu.edu/communication/reports/publication/29/concepts_for_future_decision_making_benefits_analysis_for_louisiana_coastal_restoration_2006-12-19/ Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600