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:
The sea level projections and analysis of extreme events and wave conditions developed in this project are critical inputs to improved coastal planning.
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
- None currently available



