Age of Aquarius: Monitoring Salinity Patterns & Hurricane Impacts

EarthzineDEVELOP Virtual Poster Session, Original

A post-hurricane risk map was generated with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper data in ArcMap10 using four inundation risk factors: proximity to roads and urbanization (as an indication of human activity), wetlands, and proximity to water.

A post-hurricane risk map was generated with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper data in ArcMap10 using four inundation risk factors: proximity to roads and urbanization (as an indication of human activity), wetlands, and proximity to water.

A post-hurricane risk map was generated with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper data in ArcMap10 using four inundation risk factors: proximity to roads and urbanization (as an indication of human activity), wetlands, and proximity to water.

Team Location: Langley Research Center
Authors: Taylor Beard, Ande Ehlen, Joe Regan
Science Advisors/Mentors: Dr. Kenton Ross, Jamie Favors
Abstract: The Albemarle-Pamlico estuary is the second largest estuarine complex in the United States, with more than 3,000 square miles of open water. Despite being protected by the Outer Banks island chain, the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound (APS) estuarine ecosystems are at increasing risk of loss and inundation as sea levels rise. The sounds of the APS system are characterized by wind-driven tides that affect circulation patterns in the sounds and saltwater concentrations in their tributaries. Despite its’ ecological and economic importance, very little monitoring and research have been conducted on the APS. This is likely related to the long-held assumption that the vast size of the system acts as a buffer against climatic, hydrologic, and biochemical perturbations. With the recent launch of NASA’s Aquarius satellite, salinity fluctuations can be monitored on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Having the capability to monitor salinity changes will provide project partners, NC Division of Environmental and Natural Resources, NC Division of Water Quality, and the USACE-NC Division enhanced coastal management capabilities relating to wetlands and estuarine and coastal reserves. The project will utilize shoreline delineation methods to assess coastal and estuarine reserves dynamics, along with land use/ land cover change detection. Through analysis of recent tropical cyclone events impacts (i.e. Hurricane Irene), the above proposed work will be tested and calibrated for proficiency in assessing damage, flood inundation, salinity variances, and erosional impacts on the reserves.

Video transcript available here.