Coastal
The coastal US is at the forefront of many climate change induced stressors. Sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, coastal subsidence, and coastal erosion create a feedback cycle that leads to land loss and diminished freshwater resources for agricultural and forest systems, as well as increased vulnerability to storm events. Coastal subsidence, primarily caused by an increase in groundwater demand and the subsequent reduction in the groundwater table, is exacerbated by rising seas. As the lens of saltwater pushes farther into above the brackish and fresh groundwater table, forested systems accustomed to less saline water die, allowing more coastline to be lost to marshland and erosion. Additionally, drought frequency and duration are projected to intensify in some coastal areas, and could exacerbate these impacts. Planting more salt tolerant crops and more wind resistant trees can partially mitigate some impacts, though certain lands will likely undergo permanent ecosystem change. The changes in ecosystem type will become more likely and widespread over time.
Increased sea surface temperatures are expected to lead to less frequent but more intense (i.e., more Category 4 and 5) hurricanes. These storms can damage crops, livestock, plantation and natural forest systems through excessive precipitation, high winds, and storm surges. Where saltwater intrusion is also present, coastal forests may have difficulty recovering after a major storm.
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Salmon and Climate Change in Southeast Alaska
Salmon are crucial to the culture, food security, and economy of Southeast Alaska. Climate change could disrupt salmon…
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Northwest Bivalve Shellfish and Marine Snails in a Changing Climate
These animals are important for food, income, culture, and ecosystems in the Northwest and are threatened by climate…
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Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems Adaptation Menu
Strategies for Adapting Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems to Climate Change presents a menu of adaptation actions to help…
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Adaptation Menus of Strategies and Approaches
Adaptation menus provide a curated list of adaptation strategies, approaches, and tactics to integrate the effects of…
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Effects of Climate Change on Aquaculture in the Gulf of Maine
Aquaculture or sea farming, is connected to the health of ocean ecosystems and is impacted by the effects of climate…
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Investigating Sea Level Rise and Saltwater Intrusion in Forests
To better understand the risks and enable climate-smart decision-making, researchers at Rutgers University were engaged…
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A Storm is Brewing: Climate Change and Coastal Storms in Western Alaska
As ocean temperatures rise and sea ice declines, intense storms are likely to have a more significant impact on western…
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Atmospheric Rivers in the Northwest
Atmospheric rivers are an important source of water, but they may cause more damage with climate change.
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Seaweed Farming in Alaska
Seaweed farming is emerging as a climate-smart maricultural practice that could thrive in Alaska’s nutrient rich waters…