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Title: Assessing the threat of sea level rise to vulnerable populations in southeast Florida.
Creator: Bolter, Keren P., Hindle, Tobin, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2013-04-12
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361906
Subject Headings: Sea level rise, Sea level--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: WINDSTAU-numerical modelling of continental shelf circulation with sigma coordinates.
Creator: Schmalz, Mark S.
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3358986
Subject Headings: Continental shelf, Ocean currents, Sea level
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF SEA-LEVEL RISE AND INCREASED SALINITY ON PEAT SOILS OF THE EVERGLADES (FLORIDA): IMPLICATIONS FOR CHANGES IN BIOGENIC GAS DYNAMICS AND PEAT COLLAPSE.
Creator: Sirianni, Matthew J., Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: While repeated transgressive and regressive sea level cycles have shaped south Florida throughout geological history, modern rates of sea level rise pose a significant risk to the structure and function of the freshwater wetland ecosystems throughout the low-lying Everglades region. Current regionally corrected sea level projections for south Florida indicate a rise of 0.42m by 2050 and 1.15m by 2100, suggesting the salinization of previously freshwater areas of the Everglades is conceivable....
Show moreWhile repeated transgressive and regressive sea level cycles have shaped south Florida throughout geological history, modern rates of sea level rise pose a significant risk to the structure and function of the freshwater wetland ecosystems throughout the low-lying Everglades region. Current regionally corrected sea level projections for south Florida indicate a rise of 0.42m by 2050 and 1.15m by 2100, suggesting the salinization of previously freshwater areas of the Everglades is conceivable. As freshwater areas become increasingly exposed to saltwater they experience shifts in vegetation composition, soil microbial populations, plant productivity, and physical soil properties that ultimately result in a phenomenon called peat collapse. Recent work in the Everglades has sought to further explain the mechanisms of peat collapse, however the physical changes to the peat matrix induced by saltwater intrusion are still uncertain. Moreover, the combination of physical alterations to the peat matrix associated with peat collapse and shifts in wetland salinity regimes will also likely disrupt the current carbon gas dynamics of the Everglades.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013589
Subject Headings: Sea level rise, Peat soils, Everglades (Fla)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Links between Sea Level Variations and Climate Variability and Change.
Creator: Schmidt, Alejandra R., Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing...
Show moreA comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing with time with all four oscillations impacting global sea levels. AMO warm phase individually and PDO warm combined with La-Niña phase contribute to higher sea levels throughout the world. Trends and variations in sea levels are noted to be spatially non-uniform. Understanding and quantifying climate variability influenced variations in sea levels and assessment of long-term trends enables protection of coastal regions of the world from sea level rise.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005936
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Climatic changes., Sea level., Sea level rise, Global.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The rise and fall of the estuarine intertidal zone.
Creator: Smith, Ned P.
Date Issued: 1986
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174013
Subject Headings: Estuaries, Tides, Atmospheric pressure --Diurnal variations, Sea level, Seasons
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT INPUTS ON SURFACE ELEVATION CHANGE PROCESSES IN TIDAL MANGROVE FORESTS.
Creator: Conrad, Jeremy R., Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Coastal mangrove forests are at risk of being submerged due to sea level rise (SLR). However, mangroves have persisted with changing sea levels due to a variety of biotic and physical feedback mechanisms that allow them to gain and maintain relative soil surface elevation. Mechanisms of surface elevation change (SEC) include leaf, wood, and root production, decomposition, and sedimentation/erosion, the combination of which result in a net change in the soil’s surface elevation. Therefore,...
Show moreCoastal mangrove forests are at risk of being submerged due to sea level rise (SLR). However, mangroves have persisted with changing sea levels due to a variety of biotic and physical feedback mechanisms that allow them to gain and maintain relative soil surface elevation. Mechanisms of surface elevation change (SEC) include leaf, wood, and root production, decomposition, and sedimentation/erosion, the combination of which result in a net change in the soil’s surface elevation. Therefore, mangrove forest resilience to SLR is dependent upon their ability to migrate inland or to build soil elevation at a rate that tracks with SLR. However, anthropogenic disturbances, such as altered hydrology and eutrophication, can degrade mangrove forest health and compromise their land building processes placing them at greater risk of succumbing to SLR.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014078
Subject Headings: Mangrove ecology, Sea level, Nutrients in ecosystems, Eutrophication
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Advanced methods in sea level rise vulnerability assessment.
Creator: Romah, Thomas., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Increasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of...
Show moreIncreasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of services and goods. The purpose of this project is to develop an improved methodology for a sea level rise scenario vulnerability assessment model. This new model uses the groundwater elevation as a limiting factor for soil storage capacity in determining previously underestimated areas of vulnerability. The hope is that early identification of vulnerability will allow planners and government officials an opportunity to identify and either remediate or create alternative solutions for vulnerable land areas before high consequence impacts are felt.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358965
Subject Headings: Sea level, Environmental aspects, Coastal zone management, Sea level, Climactic factors, Climate change mitigation, Climatic changes, Risk management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Volume transport variability through the Florida Keys tidal channels.
Creator: Lee, Thomas N., Smith, Ned P.
Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2848307
Subject Headings: Hydrodynamics --Mathematical models, Florida Keys (Fla.), Tidal currents, Coastal zone management, Sea level
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CHANGES IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PEAT SOIL MATRIX ACROSS A SALINITY GRADIENT IN THE EVERGLADES: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACCELERATING PEAT COLLAPSE DURING SEA LEVEL RISE.
Creator: Florey, Maxwell, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Peatlands are areas with an accumulated layer of peat soil that are considered global stores of carbon, acting as a net sink of carbon dioxide and a net source of methane. Recent studies in coastal peatlands have shown how that a rise in sea level may contribute to the degradation of peat soils due to the inland progression of the saltwater interface, which may result in physical changes within the peat matrix that may eventually result in peat collapse. For example, earlier studies in boreal...
Show morePeatlands are areas with an accumulated layer of peat soil that are considered global stores of carbon, acting as a net sink of carbon dioxide and a net source of methane. Recent studies in coastal peatlands have shown how that a rise in sea level may contribute to the degradation of peat soils due to the inland progression of the saltwater interface, which may result in physical changes within the peat matrix that may eventually result in peat collapse. For example, earlier studies in boreal peat soils described the effect of pore dilation as a result of increased salinity in peat soils, while recent studies in Everglades peat soils showed specific salinity thresholds that may represent a permanent loss of the structural integrity of the peat matrix that may represent early stages of peat collapse. While most of these previous efforts have focused on drivers, recent work has also explored conceptual models to better understand the mechanisms inducing peat collapse. However, few datasets exists that consistently compare differences in physical properties under different in‐situ salinity conditions. In this study differences in the physical properties of peat soils across a salinity gradient along the western edge of Big Cypress National Preserve are investigated to test how differences in salinity may induce physical changes in the soil matrix. The physical properties targeted for this study include porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and carbon content. Measurements are conducted at the laboratory scale using peat cores and monoliths collected at selected locations to investigate: 1) how overall soil physical properties change spatially over a salinity gradient at the km scale moving from permanently saline to freshwater conditions; and 2) how physical properties change spatially at specific sites as dependant on vegetation boundaries and proximity to collapsed soils. This study has implications for better understanding the potential relation between physical changes of the soil matrix and the phenomena of peat collapse in the Everglades as saltwater intrusion progresses inward and alters freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, a better mechanistic understanding of the peat collapse phenomenon can potentially help mitigate its occurrence.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013809
Subject Headings: Peat soils, Salinity, Sea level, Big Cypress National Preserve (Fla.), Everglades (Fla.)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Increasing Integrity in Sea-Level Rise Impact Assessment on Florida’s Coastal Everglades.
Creator: Cooper, Hannah M., Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Over drainage due to water management practices, abundance of native and rare species, and low-lying topography makes the coastal Everglades especially vulnerable to Sea-Level Rise (SLR). Water depths have shown to have a significant relationship to vegetation community composition and organization while also playing a crucial role in vegetation health throughout the Everglades. Modeling potential habitat change and loss caused by increased water depths due to SLR requires better vertical...
Show moreOver drainage due to water management practices, abundance of native and rare species, and low-lying topography makes the coastal Everglades especially vulnerable to Sea-Level Rise (SLR). Water depths have shown to have a significant relationship to vegetation community composition and organization while also playing a crucial role in vegetation health throughout the Everglades. Modeling potential habitat change and loss caused by increased water depths due to SLR requires better vertical Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Water Table Elevation Models (WTEMs). In this study, an object-based machine learning approach was developed to correct LiDAR elevation data by integrating LiDAR point data, aerial imagery, Real Time Kinematic (RTK)-Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and total station survey data. Four machine learning modeling techniques were compared with the commonly used bias-corrected technique, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The k-NN and RF models produced the best predictions for the Nine Mile and Flamingo study areas (RMSE = 0.08 m and 0.10 m, respectively). This study also examined four interpolation-based methods along with the RF, SVM and k-NN machine learning techniques for generating WTEMs. The RF models achieved the best results for the dry season (RMSE = 0.06 m) and the wet season (RMSE = 0.07 m) WTEMs. Previous research in Water Depth Model (WDM) generation in the Everglades focused on a conventional-based approach where a DEM is subtracted from a WTEM. This study extends the conventional-based WDM approach to a rigorous-based WDM technique where Monte Carlo simulation is used to propagate probability distributions through the proposed SLR depth model using uncertainties in the RF-based LiDAR DEM and WTEMs, vertical datums and transformations, regional SLR and soil accretion rates. It is concluded that a more rigorous-based WDM technique increases the integrity of derived products used to support and guide coastal restoration managers and planners concerned with habitat change under the challenge of SLR. Future research will be dedicated to the extension of this technique to model both increased water depths and saltwater intrusion due to SLR (saltwater inundation).
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005991
Subject Headings: Everglades (Fla.), Sea level rise, Coastal ecology--Florida, Everglades (Fla)--Environmental conditions, Impact assessment
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of sea level rise on Juncus Roemerianus in a high nutrient environment.
Creator: Abbott, Cara J., Berry, Leonard, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: As sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and...
Show moreAs sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and inundation in a high nutrient environment. Overall, salinity level and the interaction effect of salinity level and water level had the greatest effects on measured growth parameters including average mature height, maximum height, density, basal area, root length, and biomass. An inverse relationship between increasing salinity and the measured growth variables was observed with the greatest growth and survivability in 0 ppt water, survivability and reduced growth in 20 ppt water, survivability and little growth in 30 ppt water, and nearly complete senesce in 40 ppt water. This was the first laboratory study to determine the effect of 40 ppt water on J. roemerianus. Elevated water levels resulted in higher growth variables in the 20 ppt, 30 ppt, and 40 ppt treatments while inundated water levels produced higher growth variables in the 0 ppt treatment despite previous research finding inundation to have completely adverse effects on J. roemerianus. It is likely that the high nutrient environment provided for this study is the cause for this anomaly. The results of this study have major implications for the future of coastal ecosystems that are dominated by stands of J. roemerianus in South Florida and can be used in conjunction with studies on bordering marsh plants to predict shifts in the ecosystems of Florida that are responding to sea level rise scenarios.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004426
Subject Headings: Coastal ecology, Coastal zone management, Jucus roemerianus, Plant ecophysiology, Salt marsh ecology, Sea level
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MODELING GROUND ELEVATION OF LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS AND ANALYZING RELATIVE SEA LEVEL RISE INUNDATION USING RSET-MH AND LIDAR MEASUREMENTS.
Creator: Liu, Jing, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands...
Show moreThe Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act of 1990 (CWPPRA). To effectively monitor the progress of projects in CWPPRA, the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) was established in 2006. To date, more than a decade of valuable coastal, environmental, and ground elevation data have been collected and archived. This dataset offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the wetland ground elevation dynamics by linking the Rod Surface Elevation Table (RSET) measurements with environmental variables like water salinity and biophysical variables like canopy coverage. This dissertation research examined the effects of the environmental and biophysical variables on wetland terrain elevation by developing innovative machine learning based models to quantify the contribution of each factor using the CRMS collected dataset. Three modern machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were assessed and cross-compared with the commonly used Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The results showed that RF had the best performance in modeling ground elevation with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.8 cm and coefficient of coefficient (r) = 0.74. The top four factors contributing to ground elevation are the distance from monitoring station to closest water source, water salinity, water elevation, and dominant vegetation height.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013568
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management--Louisiana, Sea level rise, Inundations, Wetland restoration--Louisiana, Machine learning, Computer simulation, Algorithms.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using a Groundwater Influenced Sea Level Rise Model to Assess the Costs Due to Sea-Level Rise on a Coastal Community’s Stormwater Infrastructure Using Limited Groundwater Data.
Creator: Wood, Michael Burton Jr, Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep, which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure will be challenged. The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess...
Show moreA confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep, which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure will be challenged. The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess its impact on the stormwater system, identify vulnerable areas in the City, provide an estimate of long-term costs of improvements, and provide a toolbox or strategies to employ at the appropriate time. The assessment was conducted by importing tidal, groundwater, topographic LiDAR and infrastructure improvements into geographic modeling software and performing analysis based on current data. The data revealed that over $400 million in current dollars might be needed to address stormwater issues arising from SLR before 2100.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004798, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004798
Subject Headings: Climatic changes., Coastal zone management., Ecosystem management., Sea level--Climatic factors--Florida--West Palm Beach., Water--Environmental aspects.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Perceived risk versus actual risk to sea-level rise: a case study in Broward County, Florida.
Creator: Bolter, Keren P., Hindle, Tobin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Global climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, requiring customized adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida has a high likelihood of sealevel rise impact to due to the low-lying porous limestone geology. High risk is coupled with high exposure due to high-valued coastal properties, productive ecosystems, and dense populations. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to...
Show moreGlobal climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, requiring customized adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida has a high likelihood of sealevel rise impact to due to the low-lying porous limestone geology. High risk is coupled with high exposure due to high-valued coastal properties, productive ecosystems, and dense populations. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation. All of these impacts are amplified by sea-level rise. Robust sea-level rise adaptation options require significant economic costs. If perceived risk does not adequately line up with actual risk, lack of funds and preparation will prevent implementation of the most effective strategies.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004268, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004268
Subject Headings: Climatic changes -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies, Coastal ecology -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies, Coastal zone management -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies, Hazardous geographic environments -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies, Sea level -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (10)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (2)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (1)	+ -
HBOI Technical Reports (1)	+ -

Sea level (7)	+ -
Sea level rise (5)	+ -
Coastal zone management (3)	+ -
Climatic changes. (2)	+ -
Everglades (Fla.) (2)	+ -

Peat soils (2)	+ -
Algorithms. (1)	+ -
Atmospheric pressure --Diurnal variations (1)	+ -
Big Cypress National Preserve (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Climactic factors (1)	+ -
Climate change mitigation (1)	+ -
Climatic changes (1)	+ -
Climatic changes -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Coastal ecology (1)	+ -
Coastal ecology -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Coastal ecology--Florida (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management--Louisiana (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management. (1)	+ -
Computer simulation (1)	+ -
Continental shelf (1)	+ -
Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (1)	+ -
Ecosystem management. (1)	+ -
Environmental aspects (1)	+ -
Estuaries (1)	+ -
Eutrophication (1)	+ -
Everglades (Fla) (1)	+ -
Everglades (Fla)--Environmental conditions (1)	+ -
Florida Keys (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Global. (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (10)	+ -
article (2)	+ -
abstract (1)	+ -
technical report (1)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (9)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (7)	+ -
Department of Geosciences (5)	+ -
College of Engineering and Computer Science (3)	+ -
Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering (3)	+ -

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