Coastal properties at risk as extreme water levels threaten erosion.
A model was created to assess how likely coastal properties are to erode from waves. The model looks at extreme water levels caused by tides influenced by ocean and weather factors, as well as the height of storm waves on beaches. In Oregon, tides can be higher than expected, especially during El Nino events. Wave runup on Oregon beaches depends mainly on wave height, but also on wave period and beach slope. By comparing predicted water levels with actual measurements, researchers can determine how often water might reach properties, indicating their vulnerability to erosion. This model can be used on different coastlines to assess the risk of erosion and help with coastal management decisions.