Speaking: Richard Buzard, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Organizers announce the upcoming webinar, Investigating Coastal Hazards in Alaska's Communities. This webinar, featuring Richard Buzard (University of Alaska Fairbanks – Arctic Coastal Geoscience Lab and Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys – Coastal Hazards Program).
Webinar Abstract
Alaska’s coastal communities are vulnerable to flooding and erosion and face decisions that require advance planning, such as implementing shore protection or moving infrastructure. To aid in erosion planning, we estimate erosion exposure for 48 communities from the Bering to the Beaufort seas. We conduct a shoreline change assessment, forecast 60 years of erosion, and estimate the replacement cost of infrastructure in the forecast area. To aid in flood planning, we estimate historical storm heights and flood impact categories relative to infrastructure and a local tidal datum. Community-based observations and written accounts are used to estimate the height of recorded flood events. Flood impact categories are defined using National Weather Service terminology and are based on the elevation of residences, airstrips, and other critical infrastructure. These products provide a systematic, observation-based accounting of hazards that improves the current understanding of Alaska’s most at-risk coastal communities.