How the Weather Affects Our Coastal Environment

Mangrove trees are at risk of hurricane damage.

Weather variations, droughts, floods and hurricanes can adversely impact coastal environments. Aquatic species of plants, fish and animals in the oceans and coastal rivers are at risk of reduced populations, toxicity and morbidity. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) have developed monitoring and research programs to track, predict and mitigate the effects of weather and climate change on coastal environments.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause extensive property damage and loss of life in coastal areas. In addition, they result in extensive shoreline erosion, vegetation removal and coral reef habitat destruction. Further inland, hurricanes have the potential to erode sand dunes and destroy sensitive estuary and marsh habitats. The intense amounts of rainfall associated with hurricanes can wash out coastal stream habitats for salmon, steelhead and other important fish.

Drought

The effects of recurring or prolonged drought can be just as devastating to coastal ecology as flooding. Decreased freshwater availability in coastal areas results in more saline water intrusion into coastal streams and shallow groundwater aquifers. Coastal forests are more subject to risk of devastating fires. During droughts, soil becomes hardened and compacted and less able to absorb rainfall that does occur.

Climate Change

Ocean scientists are concerned about the effect of global warming and sea-level rise on the survivability of coastal ecosystems. Aquatic species of plants and animals need certain temperature ranges to reproduce and survive. Warmer ocean temperatures, which global warming has caused, have resulted in coral reefs in many parts of the world turning white at the tips, causing stress and death. Higher-than-normal temperatures also affect various marine life, including shrimp, clams and sharks.

Monitoring the Effects of Weather

In addition to providing weather forecasts, NOAA conducts research specifically for climate change impacts on coastal environments. NOAA monitors seawater temperature and uses satellites to assist in hurricane prediction. In addition, the USGS cooperates with federal, state and local agencies to ensure data is collected and studied to provide technical advice for coastal resource managers.

References

• NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management: Climate Change
• U.S. Geological Survey: Marine and Coastal Geology Program: Hurricane Impacts on the Coastal Environment
• Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme: Pacific Climate Change Factsheet

Resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Coastal Zones and Sea Level Rise