Dilip,
Excellent topic to bring up and the concern is real.
We are working on a few coastal vulnerability assessments that deal with just these uncertainties. Fortunately, there is good practice for incorporating the uncertainty associated with Sea Level Rise (SLR) into hazards assessments. Also, many states have some recommended practice for what levels of SLR to consider.
On the other end of the discussion, many of the assessments I am aware are being conducted on a case-by-case basis due to state requirements (such as in California) or by private entities on their at-risk properties. The lack of coherence here does cause concern that critical infrastructure, where affected, may not be managed with the same resources, setting the stage for large scale damage in future storm scenarios.
All in all, a good topic and important consideration for the safety of US infrastructure overall. Unfortunately, I am not aware of a comprehensive national level approach to these dangers and they are being managed at vastly different levels depending on where you are.
Thanks!
Craig
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Craig Jones A.M.ASCE
Principal
Integral Consulting, Inc.
Santa Cruz CA
(831)466-9630
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2018 16:40
From: Dilip Barua
Subject: Sea Level Rise and Low Lying Airports
A news post on ASCE Smartbrief caught my attention. It directs to the website: https://airport-technology.com that highlights the recent flooding of Kansai International Airport in Japan and discusses the potential effects of rising sea level on low lying airports around the world (some 34 around the world – 13 in USA). Although sea level rise is silently engulfing our low-lying coasts – coastal waterfront and in-water developments and structures of urban areas, and of port and marine installations – only incidences like this draw media attention.
While scientific predictions are stuck with uncertainties, and hardly agree on the rate or magnitude of accelerated sea level rise – the consequences of global warming on sea level, on enhancement of wave and storm activities are real – certainly occurring in our generation and will continue to demand serious and unwavering attention in time to come.
I invite all to share thoughts and experiences on this topic and on potential adaptation methods and strategies.
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Dr. Dilip Barua, Ph.D, P.Eng, M. ASCE
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Website: https://widecanvas.weebly.com
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