Williams, A., Fallon, K, and D. Swallow, 2019. “Coastal erosion field trip at the Sea Grant’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting with North Carolina Sea Grant Specialist Spencer Rogers” Shore & Beach, 87(2), 50-54. https://doi.org/10.34237/1008726
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Coastal erosion field trip at the Sea Grant’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting with North Carolina Sea Grant Specialist Spencer Rogers
Amy Williams (1), Kathleen Fallon (2), and Danielle Swallow (3)
1) Post-Doctoral Associate, Davidson Laboratory, Stevens Institute of Technology, 711 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s Coastal Ecosystems Extension Agent
2) Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist
New York Sea Grant, 146 Suffolk Hall, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5002
3) Coastal Hazards Specialist, Delaware Sea Grant, Cannon Laboratory, Lewes, DE 19958
Abstract
During Sea Grant’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting at the end of March 2018, a group of coastal scientists took advantage of the location on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to view the recent impacts of multiple nor’easters that had wreaked havoc on the coast (Figure 1). “Nor’easters” is the term used for the extratropical cyclones that form during the months between October and April, typically, when cold, dry continental air meets warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean. These storms intensify as they move northeast along the coast, bringing large storm surges and increased wave energy resulting in flooding and beach erosion. Coastal resiliency and flood insurance rates are critical issues to local communities. The Community Rating System, FEMA flood maps, and the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 all play a part in determining the flood insurance rates for homeowners in North Carolina.