Climate Science
Climate Science
Understanding Sea Level Rise and Climate Change Impacts in the Past, Present, and Future
Researchers in the Climate Science and Sea Level program seek to understand root causes, processes, and environmental and societal impacts of sea level rise and climate change, applying this knowledge for practical coastal planning solutions.
The group tackles basic and applied science questions and builds on decades of observations of sea level, ocean currents, storms, and climate changes. Research explores connections between coastal ocean, glacial-isostatic rebound, and atmospheric changes in the climate system. Research topics include coastal ocean and geophysical dynamics (vertical land motion and subsidence), meteorological events such as coastal storms, tidal flooding and storm surges, rainfall climatology and vegetation dynamics, and development of information systems and data analytics to understand and predict coastal hazards.
Program scientists conduct applied research focused on climate impact and hazard risk assessments to inform decisions and policymakers, coastal communities, environmental quality, and the management of coastal resources. ICAR projects have been funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), NASA Earth Science Technology Office, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ICAR researchers regularly collaborate with local, state, regional and international community partners and academic research groups.
The Climate Science program seeks to
Understand the causes of sea level rise and how trends can be predicted to provide practical planning and policy-relevant information
Quantify how sea level change and climate change impact ecosystems and coastal resources, such as shoreline change, landform evolution, and coastal wetlands.
Expand opportunities for cross-cutting, integrated research to create scientific information on seal level rise and climate change and inform coastal planning and adaptation.
Focus areas
Study of the state of knowledge of sea level rise and climate change, targeting research coastal gaps, and seeking opportunities to collaborate with fellow scientific partners.
Advise on the use of in situ, remote sensing, and other observing systems of sea level, climate, and coastal change.
Foster the improvement and applied use of state-of-the-art scientific data, models, and predictions for sea level and climate impacts.
Facilitate assessments of impacts on coastal communities and ecosystem resources in other ICAR program areas (built environment, social systems, and health dimensions).
Advance the education and training of scientists, practitioners, and managers using sea level and climate data and producing information.
Program director
Dr. Nicole Hutton
Program Head
Dr. Tom Allen
Phone
757-683-6059
757-683-6059
Email
tallen@odu.edu
tallen@odu.edu
