A recent nor’easter caused significant beach erosion along New Jersey's coast, particularly affecting areas like Ocean City and North Wildwood, but spared Philadelphia from severe flooding. The storm's onshore winds and high-pressure systems continue to threaten the fragile beaches, which have been heavily eroded over the past two months. Despite the storm's impact, no major injuries or damages were reported, and the weather is expected to improve in the coming days. The ongoing erosion and lack of federal funding for beach replenishment raise concerns about the future of Jersey's beaches amid rising sea levels.
Reduced reef growth due to climate change and ocean acidification will impair the ability of Atlantic coral reefs to keep pace with sea-level rise, increasing coastal flooding risks and diminishing natural coastal protection functions, with projections indicating many reefs will become erosional or unable to match sea-level increases by 2100.
MIT engineers have designed an "architected" reef structure to protect coastlines by mimicking the wave-buffering effects of natural reefs while providing habitats for marine life. The cylindrical structure surrounded by rudder-like slats efficiently dissipates wave energy, potentially reducing storm damage and coastal erosion. The team plans to fabricate the reef from sustainable cement with voxel patterns to create fish-friendly pockets. Initial tests show promising results, and the researchers hope to pilot the structures in Massachusetts beach towns to address the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities to climate change.
Scientists warn that rapidly rising seas are causing a surge in sea level rise, leading to the drowning of coastal wetlands in Louisiana. The state's wetlands, crucial for coastal protection and biodiversity, are unable to keep pace with the rising water levels, putting them at risk of disappearing. Efforts to restore wetlands may not be enough to counter the rapid loss, and the study predicts that Louisiana could lose 75% of its coastal wetlands by 2070, posing a significant threat to the state's ecosystem and coastal resilience.
Researchers have introduced a new strategy for efficiently absorbing water waves, which could help protect coasts and structures from wave damage. The strategy is based on the resonant effect known as Autler-Townes splitting, which has been observed in various physical systems. The researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of their strategy through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experiments. If further testing confirms its effectiveness, this strategy could be employed in coastal regions to control the impact of waves on shores and man-made structures.
Singaporean government officials are determined to protect their land from the threat of rising sea levels caused by climate change. With approximately one-third of the country situated less than 16 feet above sea level, Singapore is implementing a multipronged approach that includes land reclamation, the use of dams and pumps, and the planting of mangrove trees. The government is also collaborating with research institutes to develop predictive models for flood-prone areas. With plans to spend $73 billion over the next century on coastal and flood protection, Singapore is taking a long-term and proactive approach to safeguard its land and population.
A $3 billion ecosystem restoration project funded by settlement money from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster is underway in Louisiana's Plaquemines Parish. The project aims to divert sediment-laden water from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin to restore disappearing land. While climate change-induced rising sea levels pose a threat, state officials are confident in the project's success. The project is estimated to build 20-40 square miles of land over the next 30-50 years, although subsidence and sea level rise may result in a net loss of land. Environmental concerns and opposition from fishermen persist, but some see the potential benefits of the project.
