A Web-Based Decision Support System for Adaptation of Coastal Urban and Natural Ecosystems (ACUNE) in Southwest Florida

OneNOAA Science Seminar

Title: A Web-Based Decision Support System for Adaptation of Coastal Urban and Natural Ecosystems (ACUNE) in Southwest Florida

Speaker: Peter Sheng, Research Professor, University of Florida

Sponsors: NOAA's NOAA RESTORE Science Program Seminar Series and National Ocean Service Science Seminar Series. Coordinators are Andrew.Lade@noaa.gov and Tracy.Gill@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Register at:
https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/acune/event/registration.html
After registering, you will get a confirmation email with a link to the webinar. If you have not used Adobe connect before, it is best to test your ability to use (and to download) Adobe Connect, before the webinar, at:
https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Audio is over the computer, so adjust the volume on your computer speakers or headset. Users should use either google, IE or Edge on Windows or Safari if using a Mac. Questions will be addressed in the chat box.

Abstract: Southwest Florida is facing increasing coastal inundation risk due to sea level rise, low land elevation, increasing population, and frequent tropical cyclones which are becoming stronger, slower, and wetter in the 21st century. To develop adaptation plans, local governments and natural system managers seek science-based decision support tools that are developed with best available and actionable science. Funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program since 2017, a multi-institution team has been developing the ACUNE web tool to inform local governments and natural system managers of the coastal inundation vulnerability in the 21st century. The tool includes high-resolution probabilistic coastal inundation maps for 2030, 2060, and 2100, incorporating the effects of sea level rise and future tropical cyclones predicted by CMIP5 climate models, and numerous infrastructure layers including buildings, highways, bridges, stormwater systems, cultural and archeological sites, etc. A three-dimensional vegetation-resolving surge-wave model with time-varying mangrove distribution and structure is used to account for the role of mangroves and marshes in buffering surge, wave, and structural loss. Moreover, a Rapid Forecasting and Mapping System is developed to enable local governments to develop emergency and resilience plans for “what-if'' scenarios. Numerous end users have been engaged in various aspects of this project. The project will deliver and train personnel from Collier County and the cities of Naples and Marco Island on the use of the ACUNE decision-support tool to support coastal planning, zoning, land acquisition, and restoration in southwest Florida.

Bio: Peter Sheng is a Research Professor in the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE) at the University of Florida. Prior to joining UF in 1986, Peter spent seven years at Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton as a Senior Consultant, after receiving his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Peter’s research includes coastal hydrodynamics and ecosystem dynamics, storm surge and wave forecasting, effects of climate change on coastal inundation, and the use of green infrastructures for mitigating coastal inundation risk. In addition to the ACUNE project, Peter is leading a NOAA-funded study on the role of Natural and Nature-Based Features in buffering coastal flood damage in Florida, and another project on the role of tidal marsh in buffering flood and wave damage in New York. 

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(Peter Sheng, Research Professor, University of Florida)