Marine and coastal climate services

PROJECT 5.8: Marine and coastal climate services for extremes information

Australia is a coastal nation. Changes in our coastal climate, through sea-level, waves, marine heatwaves and coastal extremes, have broad implications for a range of coastal stakeholders such as coastal councils, environmental managers, engineers, infrastructure designers and aquaculture and fisheries industries.

We’re improving understanding of how marine and coastal extremes are changing by investigating and analysing a range of coastal and near-shore variables, including sea-level trends, current and future marine heat waves, extreme sea-levels, waves, estimates of ocean mass increases and the effects of wind, waves, sea-level rise and storm surges on sediment compartments.

We’re also developing a suite of science-based data and information services tailored to the priority needs of coastal managers and decision-makers. To do this, we’re working closely with stakeholders to ensure our research is appropriately consolidated and delivered via a readily available, co-produced range of tools and data-delivery mechanisms.

This research will inform the next generation of coastal climate projections for Australia. It will also lead to a more aware coastal population, armed with the tools and improved knowledge to better assess climate risks and improve coastal planning and management decisions and activities.

For more information

Dr Kathleen McInnes, CSIRO

 

This project is contributing to the following climate challenge:

Changes in coastal climate.

CHANGES IN COASTAL CLIMATE
The sea level projections and analysis of extreme events and wave conditions developed in this project are critical inputs to improved coastal planning.

Extremes and disaster risk management.

EXTREMES AND DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
Work in this project will enhance our ability to project changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate conditions, which will better inform infrastructure planning.
Publications and papers
  • Holbrook NJ, et al. 2020: Keeping pace with marine heatwaves. Nature Reviews Earth and Environment. doi: 10.1038/s43017-020-0068-4 | Abstract
  • Marshall AG, Hemer MA, McInnes KL, 2019. Australian blocking impacts on ocean surface waves. Climate Dynamics, doi:10.1007/s00382-019-05058-8 | Abstract
  • Morim J, Trenham C, Hemer M. et al. 2020. A global ensemble of ocean wave climate projections from CMIP5-driven models. Scientific Data 7, 105, doi: 10.1038/s41597-020-0446-2 | Full paper
Related posts

  • Science webinar: Impacts of climate change and variability on ocean waves

    In this webinar, ESCC Hub researchers Eng. Joao Morim and Dr Andrew Marshall discuss the impacts of climate change and variability on wind-forced waves, to inform the next generation of Australian coastal climate projections towards improved coastal planning and management.

  • Climate change may change the way ocean waves impact 50% of the world’s coastlines

    Our coastlines play an important role in how we live, providing recreational outlets, supporting ecosystem biodiversity and containing millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure and assets. Ocean waves, as well as sea levels, are important when considering climate risks to our coastlines. If warming continues in-line with current trends we are likely to experience significant changes in wave conditions with potential implications for coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

  • Decadal prediction and the predictability of marine heatwaves

    We’ve made significant steps towards developing a decadal forecasting system and capability to fill the critical gap between seasonal climate predictions and multi-decadal climate projections. We’ve also improved understanding of marine heat wave trends, causes, the influence of human activities and the predictability of ocean temperature extremes over multi-year to decadal timescales. 

  • Understanding coastal hazards

    We’re improving our understanding of past sea level, storm surges and waves to develop projections for the future, so we can determine the physical impact these changes might have.