Andre de Lima

George Mason University

 Recent Activity

ABSTRACT:

Global climate change has led to many adverse impacts including changing weather patterns and an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. Traditional hard engineering solutions for coastal protection, such as seawalls and bulkheads, are becoming inadequate as they do not have the capacity to keep pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change. In response, there is growing interest in Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF), which offer innovative and adaptive approaches to coastal protection. NNBFs, such as salt marshes or living shorelines, have demonstrated potential for mitigating wave energy, reducing flood risks, and enhancing coastal resilience. However, the effectiveness of these features can vary based on their physical attributes and the specific environmental conditions in which they are implemented. The inconsistent performance of NNBFs has posed challenges for their widespread adoption, partly due to uncertainties in their efficacy and barriers in public policy.

This research focuses on evaluating the performance of NNBFs in attenuating waves through innovative field-scale prototypes. At the Whittaker Creek Canal project site, we conducted two field experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of NNBFs at attenuating boat wakes, which are practical emulators of wind waves and storm surge events. One field experiment was conducted before the construction of the NNBFs at the canal, while the other was done after. During the field experiments, we conducted trials by operating the same boat along the canal at different speeds and with varying weights to generate a diverse range of wakes. The varying set of wakes allowed us to simulate different controlled coastal hazard conditions, and observe the response of the NNBFs. Overall, this study found that these innovative NNBFs significantly reduced wave heights in the Whittaker Creek Canal. Boat speed had a greater impact on wave height than vessel weight, but both factors are important. Most notably, combining different NNBFs, like oyster reefs and Geotubes™, improved wave reduction effectiveness, especially at low boat speeds, making them highly effective under low intensity or daily conditions.

Here, a Jupyter Notebook is provided to a) Access the data; b) Generate plots; and c) Perform data analysis.

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ABSTRACT:

Global climate change has led to many adverse impacts including changing weather patterns and an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. Traditional hard engineering solutions for coastal protection, such as seawalls and bulkheads, are becoming inadequate as they do not have the capacity to keep pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change. In response, there is growing interest in Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF), which offer innovative and adaptive approaches to coastal protection. NNBFs, such as salt marshes or living shorelines, have demonstrated potential for mitigating wave energy, reducing flood risks, and enhancing coastal resilience. However, the effectiveness of these features can vary based on their physical attributes and the specific environmental conditions in which they are implemented. The inconsistent performance of NNBFs has posed challenges for their widespread adoption, partly due to uncertainties in their efficacy and barriers in public policy.

This research focuses on evaluating the performance of NNBFs in attenuating waves through the natural environment, highlighting the benefits of hybrid NNBFs. Our findings demonstrate that, when combined, different NNBFs play complementary roles in wave attenuation. Thus, enhancing shoreline resilience and reducing marsh loss under dynamic water level conditions. These results highlight the importance of implementing diverse NNBF systems to address the dynamic nature of coastal conditions. By quantifying the performance of these features, this study offers valuable insights into designing and optimizing shoreline protection strategies that promote climate resiliency.

Here, a Jupyter Notebook is provided to a) Access the data; b) Generate plots; and c) Perform data analysis.

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ABSTRACT:

This work was performed under a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Program Office Adaptation Sciences (AdSci) Program grant: Advancing Climate Adaptation and Coastal Community Resilience NA21OAR4310287 (FY2021). The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (UMD EFC) partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and George Mason University (GMU) (project team) to provide the rural community of Crisfield, Maryland with the tools and data necessary to make economic and socially responsible decisions for adapting to climate-induced flooding from sea level rise, storms, and precipitation.

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ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of wave conditions, and vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density) during the period of (2021-2023) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Maryland, USA. Measurements were carried out with RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, and vegetation measurement locations are approximate. The team measured 1) the percent cover of each individual species, 2) canopy height, stem diameter and density, and 3) waves.
This fieldwork is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in the county and municipal adaptation plans.

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ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2020-2021) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in the Karen Noonan Center within the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth.
This field work is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in county and municipal adaptation plans.

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Resources
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Resource Resource
Storm surges, Waves, Hydrodynamics and Vegetation Surveys in Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, VA, USA (2014-2017)
Created: June 23, 2021, 9:07 p.m.
Authors: Ferreira, Celso · Dan Bentley · Alayna Bigalbal · Jana Haddad · Juan Luis Garzon Hervas · Arslaan Khalid · Prakriti Khanal · Beverly Lanza · Lindsey Kellar · Seth Lawler · de Lima, Andre · Miesse, Tyler Will · Eleonore Paquier · Ali M Rezaie · Vecchio, Anthony

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2014-2017) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, Virginia, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth. All the field procedures, data processing, equipment, and project methodology are described in the QAPP document.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program (Award#43932). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University and the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS). This project quantified the ability of salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay to attenuate coastal hazards; including the attenuation of storm surge and the reduction of wave energy by these natural ecosystems. The project documented the interaction of storm surges and waves with marshes by measuring hydrodynamic conditions in the field during extreme events (waves, currents and water levels), vegetation characteristics and topo-bathymetric surveys in 4 natural preserves in the Chesapeake Bay during the extent of the project, including several coastal storms and hurricanes.

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Storm surges, Waves, Hydrodynamics and Vegetation Surveys in Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, VA, USA (2014-2017)
Created: June 23, 2021, 9:30 p.m.
Authors: Ferreira, Celso · Dan Bentley · Alayna Bigalbal · Jana Haddad · Juan Luis Garzon Hervas · Arslaan Khalid · Prakriti Khanal · Lindsey Kellar · Beverly Lanza · Seth Lawler · de Lima, Andre · Elonore Paquier · Miesse, Tyler Will · Ali M Rezaie · Vecchio, Anthony

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2014-2017) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth. All the field procedures, data processing, equipment, and project methodology are described in the QAPP document.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program (Award#43932). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University and the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS). This project quantified the ability of salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay to attenuate coastal hazards; including the attenuation of storm surge and the reduction of wave energy by these natural ecosystems. The project documented the interaction of storm surges and waves with marshes by measuring hydrodynamic conditions in the field during extreme events (waves, currents and water levels), vegetation characteristics and topo-bathymetric surveys in 4 natural preserves in the Chesapeake Bay during the extent of the project, including several coastal storms and hurricanes.

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Storm surges, Waves, Hydrodynamics and Vegetation Surveys in Deal Island, MD, USA (2018)
Created: June 23, 2021, 9:31 p.m.
Authors: Ferreira, Celso · Juan Luis Garzon Hervas · Dan Bentley · Prakriti Khanal · de Lima, Andre · Vecchio, Anthony · Miesse, Tyler Will · Ali M Rezaie

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2018) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Deal Island, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth. All the field procedures, data processing, equipment, and project methodology are described in the QAPP document.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by The Nature Conservancy. The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, The Nature Conservancy and The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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Storm surges, Waves, and Hydrodynamics in Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve, VA, USA (2013-2016)
Created: June 23, 2021, 9:32 p.m.
Authors: Ferreira, Celso · Dan Bentley · Alayna Bigalbal · Jana Haddad · Juan Luis Garzon Hervas · Arslaan Khalid · Prakriti Khanal · Beverly Lanza · Lindsey Kellar · de Lima, Andre · Seth Lawler · Ali M Rezaie · Eleonore Paquier · Miesse, Tyler Will · Vecchio, Anthony

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2013-2016) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve, Virginia, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth. All the field procedures, data processing, equipment, and project methodology are described in the QAPP document.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program (Award#43932). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University and the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS). This project quantified the ability of salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay to attenuate coastal hazards; including the attenuation of storm surge and the reduction of wave energy by these natural ecosystems. The project documented the interaction of storm surges and waves with marshes by measuring hydrodynamic conditions in the field during extreme events (waves, currents and water levels), vegetation characteristics and topo-bathymetric surveys in 4 natural preserves in the Chesapeake Bay during the extent of the project, including several coastal storms and hurricanes.

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Storm surges, Hydrodynamics and Vegetation Surveys in Monie Bay, MD, USA (2015-2016)
Created: June 23, 2021, 9:33 p.m.
Authors: Ferreira, Celso · Dan Bentley · Alayna Bigalbal · Jana Haddad · Juan Luis Garzon Hervas · Arslaan Khalid · Prakriti Khanal · Lindsey Kellar · Beverly Lanza · Seth Lawler · de Lima, Andre · Miesse, Tyler Will · Eleonore Paquier · Ali M Rezaie · Vecchio, Anthony

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2015-2016) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Monie Bay, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured: 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program (Award#43932). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University and the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS). This project quantified the ability of salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay to attenuate coastal hazards; including the attenuation of storm surge and the reduction of wave energy by these natural ecosystems. The project documented the interaction of storm surges and waves with marshes by measuring hydrodynamic conditions in the field during extreme events (waves, currents and water levels), vegetation characteristics and topo-bathymetric surveys in 4 natural preserves in the Chesapeake Bay during the extent of the project, including several coastal storms and hurricanes.

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Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2020-2021) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth.
This field work is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in county and municipal adaptation plans.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2020-2021) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Franklin Point State Park, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team will measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth.
This field work is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in county and municipal adaptation plans.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

Hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions were measured in the field during extreme events, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features. This dataset provides the information for the Karen Noonan Center.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2020-2021) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in the Karen Noonan Center within the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth.
This field work is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in county and municipal adaptation plans.

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Resource Resource
Storm surges, Waves and Vegetation Surveys in Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, MD, USA (2021-2022)
Created: Feb. 9, 2023, 3:31 p.m.
Authors: Celso Ferreira · Felicio Cassalho · Gustavo de Almeida Coelho · Daniel Coleman · Martin Henke · Andre de Lima · Tyler Will Miesse · Anthony Vecchio

ABSTRACT:

These datasets include measurements of wave conditions, and vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density) during the period of (2021-2023) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Maryland, USA. Measurements were carried out with RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, and vegetation measurement locations are approximate. The team measured 1) the percent cover of each individual species, 2) canopy height, stem diameter and density, and 3) waves.
This fieldwork is part of the project “EESLR 2019: Quantifying the benefits of natural and nature-based features in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays to inform conservation and management under future sea level rise scenarios” funded by NOAA (Award# NA19NOS4780179). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The overall goal of the project is to quantify the wave attenuation and flood reduction benefits of marshes, SAV and other natural and nature-based features (NNBF) along the shores of Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. This project will inform management actions by DNR to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services of marshes and other natural features on state-owned lands; re-evaluate Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration goals; improve existing conservation prioritization tools; and provide relatable, local examples to advance efforts by DNR, TNC, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and others to promote the use of NNBF in the county and municipal adaptation plans.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

This work was performed under a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Program Office Adaptation Sciences (AdSci) Program grant: Advancing Climate Adaptation and Coastal Community Resilience NA21OAR4310287 (FY2021). The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (UMD EFC) partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and George Mason University (GMU) (project team) to provide the rural community of Crisfield, Maryland with the tools and data necessary to make economic and socially responsible decisions for adapting to climate-induced flooding from sea level rise, storms, and precipitation.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

Global climate change has led to many adverse impacts including changing weather patterns and an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. Traditional hard engineering solutions for coastal protection, such as seawalls and bulkheads, are becoming inadequate as they do not have the capacity to keep pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change. In response, there is growing interest in Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF), which offer innovative and adaptive approaches to coastal protection. NNBFs, such as salt marshes or living shorelines, have demonstrated potential for mitigating wave energy, reducing flood risks, and enhancing coastal resilience. However, the effectiveness of these features can vary based on their physical attributes and the specific environmental conditions in which they are implemented. The inconsistent performance of NNBFs has posed challenges for their widespread adoption, partly due to uncertainties in their efficacy and barriers in public policy.

This research focuses on evaluating the performance of NNBFs in attenuating waves through the natural environment, highlighting the benefits of hybrid NNBFs. Our findings demonstrate that, when combined, different NNBFs play complementary roles in wave attenuation. Thus, enhancing shoreline resilience and reducing marsh loss under dynamic water level conditions. These results highlight the importance of implementing diverse NNBF systems to address the dynamic nature of coastal conditions. By quantifying the performance of these features, this study offers valuable insights into designing and optimizing shoreline protection strategies that promote climate resiliency.

Here, a Jupyter Notebook is provided to a) Access the data; b) Generate plots; and c) Perform data analysis.

Show More
Resource Resource

ABSTRACT:

Global climate change has led to many adverse impacts including changing weather patterns and an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. Traditional hard engineering solutions for coastal protection, such as seawalls and bulkheads, are becoming inadequate as they do not have the capacity to keep pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change. In response, there is growing interest in Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF), which offer innovative and adaptive approaches to coastal protection. NNBFs, such as salt marshes or living shorelines, have demonstrated potential for mitigating wave energy, reducing flood risks, and enhancing coastal resilience. However, the effectiveness of these features can vary based on their physical attributes and the specific environmental conditions in which they are implemented. The inconsistent performance of NNBFs has posed challenges for their widespread adoption, partly due to uncertainties in their efficacy and barriers in public policy.

This research focuses on evaluating the performance of NNBFs in attenuating waves through innovative field-scale prototypes. At the Whittaker Creek Canal project site, we conducted two field experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of NNBFs at attenuating boat wakes, which are practical emulators of wind waves and storm surge events. One field experiment was conducted before the construction of the NNBFs at the canal, while the other was done after. During the field experiments, we conducted trials by operating the same boat along the canal at different speeds and with varying weights to generate a diverse range of wakes. The varying set of wakes allowed us to simulate different controlled coastal hazard conditions, and observe the response of the NNBFs. Overall, this study found that these innovative NNBFs significantly reduced wave heights in the Whittaker Creek Canal. Boat speed had a greater impact on wave height than vessel weight, but both factors are important. Most notably, combining different NNBFs, like oyster reefs and Geotubes™, improved wave reduction effectiveness, especially at low boat speeds, making them highly effective under low intensity or daily conditions.

Here, a Jupyter Notebook is provided to a) Access the data; b) Generate plots; and c) Perform data analysis.

Show More