PS 41-140 - SWISLR RCN: A network for Studying Saltwater Intrusion and Sea Level Rise across the North American Coastal Plain

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT

Location: ESA Exhibit Hall

Presenting Author(s)

EB

Emily S. Bernhardt

Professor
Duke University
DURHAM, North Carolina, United States

Coauthor(s)

KO

Kiera O'Donnell

Postdoctoral Associate
Duke University, North Carolina, United States
RE

Ryan E. Emanuel

Duke University
DURHAM, North Carolina, United States
XY

Xi Yang

University of Virginia, Virginia, United States
SR

SWISLR RCN

Duke University, United States

Abstract: Global climate change and sea level rise result in the landward movement of seawater. Together, saltwater intrusion and sea level rise (SWISLR) rapidly alter the structure and function of Coastal Plain ecosystems and place new constraints on coastal communities. Many scholars and practitioners are engaged in studying and managing SWISLR impacts on social, economic, and ecological systems. However, most efforts are localized and disconnected, despite a widespread desire to understand this common threat. We have worked to build a connective intellectual network to expand our understanding of this wicked problem. Currently our network includes researchers and practitioners spanning both the natural and social science disciplines. The primary focus of the Saltwater Intrusion and Sea Level Rise (SWISLR) Research Coordinating Network is to conduct convergence research by building a connective intellectual network and an integrated conceptual scaffolding to rapidly expand our capacity to forecast and prepare for SWISLR impacts throughout the rural communities of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. In addition to variable rates of sea kevek rise across the outer coastal plain, differences in geomorphic setting, water resources infrastructure and management, and climate extremes are generating very different patterns of saltwater intrusion. Understanding both the absolute magnitude of this rapid environmental change, and the causes and consequences for its spatial and temporal variation represents an opportunity to build and challenge new mechanistic models that link directional climate change to temporally and spatially dynamic socio-environmental impacts. The diverse trajectories of change offer rich opportunities to test and refine modern theories of ecosystem state change in systems with exceptionally strong socioecological feedbacks. The goal of this network is to address the lack of holistic understanding of the environmental and social impacts of SWISLR on the vast, predominantly rural ecosystems and communities of the North American Coastal Plain. Come to our poster or visit swislr.org if you are interested in joining us!