The changing geomorphology of the Beaufort Inlet has a direct effect on shoreline migration and sediment dynamics at and around the Rachel Carson Reserve in North Carolina. Historically, these changes have been magnified by the effects of chronic and acute stressors including hurricanes. Understanding these compounding effects is critical to assessing the vulnerability of coastal habitats and informing effective resilience planning.

Driven by technical input from North Carolina Reserve staff, a collaborative research project addressed this need by producing a model that simulates sediment dynamics at and around the reserve. The project filled critical data needs and provided the reserve with a functional tool that enhances their ability to make informed resilience planning decisions. In this webinar, the project team will describe how the changing geomorphology of the Beaufort Inlet has been driving shoreline migration and sediment dynamics, as well as the degree of change caused by hurricanes and associated impacts on the vulnerability of critical habitats.

Speakers:

• Celso Castro-Bolinaga, North Carolina State University
• Paula Gillikin, North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Justin Ridge, North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve