Risk assessment
The risk assessment module refers to understanding & assessing potential risks & harzards associated with living in coastal Louisiana.
The CLEAR Program has developed conceptual diagrams that highlight coastal risks posing the greatest threat to Louisiana's coastal & inland communities. The presence of straight, deep navigation channels, as well as the widespread loss of barrier islands & coastal wetlands are thought to be some of the most significant factors contributing to increased risk of coastal communities.
.png "Intact barrier islands help reduce coastal damage from storm surge")
Storm Surge Dynamics
Understanding storm surge dynamics & the ability to predict impending surge dynamics is vital for planning & preparation in coastal populations. Coastal communities are especially vulnerable during the months of hurricane season, which run from 1 June - 30 November, & it is important to understand & forecast the potential impacts of storm surge associated with impending tropical storms & hurricanes. Using the AdCirc model, the CLEAR Program can simulate the geographic extent & depth of hurricane storm surge & wind speeds associated with hurricanes making landfall near Louisiana.
.jpg "Example storm surge output from the AdCirc model")
Visualization
Visualizing storm surge output may help support decision-making, especially if the output is delivered in an easily accessible & understandable way. For this reason, the CLEAR Program developed a Google Maps API (Application Programming Interface), which is a flexible mapping resource that uses the highly accepted Google Maps user interface. By using the Google Maps API for client side visualization we leverage the advantage of providing a simple, yet powerful user interface, & the availability to use a comprehensive suite of topographical maps & satellite images.
For more information on Risk assessment, view these publications:
Grand Challenges in Coastal Resiliency I
Computation of Storm Surge using Two 50 Year Future Projections of the Coastal Louisiana Landscape
The Effect of Coastal Restoration on Flood Risk in Terrebonne Parish