Darrell Strauss | Griffith University (original) (raw)

Papers by Darrell Strauss

Journal of Coastal Research, 2011

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an ex... more The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an extensive collaborative process to identify the highest national priorities for wind-waves research. This was undertaken under the auspices of the Forum for Operational Oceanography Surface Waves Working Group. The main steps in the process were first, soliciting possible research questions from the community via an online survey; second, reviewing the questions at a face-to-face workshop; and third, online ranking of the research questions by individuals. This process resulted in 15 identified priorities, covering research activities and the development of infrastructure. The top five priorities are 1) enhanced and updated nearshore and coastal bathymetry; 2) improved understanding of extreme sea states; 3) maintain and enhance the in situ buoy network; 4) improved data access and sharing; and 5) ensemble and probabilistic wave modeling and forecasting. In this paper, each of the 15 prior...

Coastal Engineering, May 1, 2007

Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, governmen... more Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, government, and research applications. Driving a model of the near-shore wave transformation, from an offshore global swell model such as NOAA WaveWatch3, is an economical means to arrive at swell size estimates at particular locations of interest. Recently, some work (e.g. Browne et al. (2006)) has examined an artificial neural network (ANN) based, empirical approach to wave estimation. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of two data driven approaches to estimating waves nearshore (linear and ANN), and also contrast these with a more traditional spectral wave simulation model (SWAN). Performance was assessed on data gathered from a total of 17 near-shore locations, with heterogenous geography and bathymetry, around the continent of Australia over a 7 month period. It was found that the ANNs out-performed SWAN and the non-linear architecture consistently out-performed the linear method. Variability in performance and differential performance with regard to geographical location could largely be explained in terms of the underlying complexity of the local wave transformation.

Global wind-wave models such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WaveWatch 3 (... more Global wind-wave models such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WaveWatch 3 (NWW3) play an important role in monitoring the world's oceans. However, untransformed data at grid points in deep water provide a poor estimate of swell characteristics at nearshore locations, which are often of significant scientific, engineering, and public interest. Explicit wave modeling, such as the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN), is one method for resolving the complex wave transformations affected by bathymetry, winds, and other local factors. However, obtaining accurate bathymetry and determining parameters for such models is often difficult. When target data is available (i.e., from in situ buoys or human observers, empirical alternatives such artificial neural networks (ANNs) and linear regression may be considered for inferring nearshore conditions from offshore model output. Using a sixfold cross-validation scheme, significant wave height H s and period were estimated at one onshore and two nearshore locations. In estimating H s at the shoreline, the validation performance of the best ANN was r = 0.91, as compared to those of linear regression (0.82), SWAN (0.78), and the NWW3 H s baseline (0.54).

Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, governmen... more Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, government, and research applications. Driving a model of the near-shore wave transformation from an offshore global swell model such as NOAA WaveWatch3 is an economical means to arrive at swell size estimates at particular locations of interest. Recently, some work (e.g. Browne et al. [Browne, M., Strauss, D., Castelle, B., Blumenstein, M., Tomlinson, R., 2006. Local swell estimation and prediction from a global wind-wave model. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 3 (4), 462-466.]) has examined an artificial neural network (ANN) based, empirical approach to wave estimation. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of two data driven approaches to estimating waves near-shore (linear and ANN), and also contrast these with a more traditional spectral wave simulation model (SWAN). Performance was assessed on data gathered from a total of 17 near-shore locations, with heterogenous geography and bathymetry, around the continent of Australia over a 7 month period. It was found that the ANNs out-performed SWAN and the non-linear architecture consistently out-performed the linear method. Variability in performance and differential performance with regard to geographical location could largely be explained in terms of the underlying complexity of the local wave transformation.

Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geoph... more Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geophysical measurement in the near-shore zone, where in situ measurement is difficult and time consuming. In particular, optical video sensing of the variability in the visible spectrum from the sea surface due to the near-shore incident wave field is becoming an established method for distal measurement of near-shore subtidal morphology. We report on the use of a low-mounted shorenormal camera for gathering data on cross-shore dissipative characteristics of a dynamic, open beach. Data is analysed for the purposes of classifying three of Wright and Shorts' intermediate classes of morphological beach state, as determined by expert raters. Although these beach states are usually thought of as being distinctive in terms of their longshore bar variability, theory predicts that differences should also be observed in cross-shore dissipative characteristics. Three methods of generating features from statistical features from the archived optical data are described and compared, in terms of their ability to discriminate between the beach states. The best performance was obtained using an pixel intensity percentile representation (which does not assume a Gaussian intensity distribution), which classified 85% of the 284 cases correctly. Class centre moment profiles for each beach state were constructed, and results indicate that crossshore wave dissipation becomes more disorganized as linear bars devolve into more complex transverse structures.

Currumbin Creek is a small tidal inlet in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long hi... more Currumbin Creek is a small tidal inlet in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long history of morphological changes, entrance stabilization works and maintenance dredging activities. Despite these activities an effective long-term management plan is yet to be implemented. A key component of the development of such a plan is a model of morphological change, and this paper addresses an investigation of the dynamics of the whole system. A field campaign carried out in March, 2011 and included measurement of nearshore wave regimes, tidal levels and currents inside the creek, and also drogue tracking in the inlet entrance. Wave data was collected over six weeks by ADCPs in water depth of about 7-8m. Tidal current discharges were also measured by an ADCP over two tidal cycles of 14.4 (spring) and 15 (neap) hours. Water levels were recorded using a Valeport Water Level Recorder during the whole measuring period. The investigations show that the creek is mixed, but mostly flood ...

Periodic variation of water level due to tidal forces was first explained by Galileo Galilei in 1... more Periodic variation of water level due to tidal forces was first explained by Galileo Galilei in 1632. Thence several calculation methods have been used by scientists to predict tides. Recently also, many different computer models have been produced. Based on these modelled outputs, tidal variation predictions are generated for important ports and waterways commonly known as “standard port(s)”. Normally, real water levels for such locations are also recorded and compared to the predicted data to more calibrate the prediction method. Additionally, there are a number of “secondary ports” where their tidal predictions are actually dependent on a standard port. This means that there is no full, predicted and/or recorded dataset for such locations and the secondary port characteristics are described relative to their adjacent, better known location. Such relativeness is in terms of time lag and shift in water levels of daily extremes like HHW and so on. This is usually an acceptable appro...

This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-i... more This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-inlet entrance channels in Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks. The sediment exchange and associated maintenance dredging of the inlets are also inherently linked to the development of a strategy to address the present vulnerability of the development-backed, open coast beach situated between the two inlets. These creeks are two of several small tidal inlets in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long morphological history of changes to the surrounding beaches, which are interconnected to the spatial changes of the mouth and entrance channel of these creeks. This has caused the local authority to perform regular stabilization work and maintenance dredging at great expense. Consequently, an effective long-term management plan is necessary so as to offer improved economic and environmental outcomes. To provide data for establishment of such a plan, a field measurement campaign was...

This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-i... more This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-inlet entrance channels in Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks. The sediment exchange and associated maintenance dredging of the inlets are also inherently linked to the development of a strategy to address the present vulnerability of the development-backed, open coast beach situated between the two inlets. These creeks are two of several small tidal inlets in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long morphological history of changes to the surrounding beaches, which are interconnected to the spatial changes of the mouth and entrance channel of these creeks. This has caused the local authority to perform regular stabilization work and maintenance dredging at great expense. Consequently, an effective long-term management plan is necessary so as to offer improved economic and environmental outcomes. To provide data for establishment of such a plan, a field measurement campaign was carried out in April-May 2011 by measuring a six-week nearshore wave regime, six weeks of tidal level measurements and two spring and two neap current recordings inside the creeks. The investigations showed the differences between these two adjacent inlets, in terms of dominant tide type, tidal prism volume and nearshore processes. Therefore, two different managerial action plans should be considered in contrast to what exist at the moment. The findings of this research will contribute to the design of alternative entrance geometry or maintenance strategies for Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks.

Hydraulic structures and society - Engineering challenges and extremes, 2014

Many tidal inlets are actively monitored to investigate the change in flood or ebb shoals, as the... more Many tidal inlets are actively monitored to investigate the change in flood or ebb shoals, as these sand deposits can have a major influence on the sediment budget of the adjacent coast. However, here it is hypothesized that the shores of the back barrier area can also act as a source of sediment to be considered in the sediment budget. Therefore, profile changes around Currumbin Creek tidal inlet were considered to identify the extent of such a contribution on the surrounding beach and the overall evolution of the inlet system. The results of 16 weeks survey showed that in general, the shores of the back barrier lagoon had a very marginal effect in the provision of material to the sand budget, although the gorge area is highly vulnerable and dynamic. Even an intense storm event and heavy rainfall during the data collection period, resulting in erosion of the surrounding beaches, showed no significant influence on the shore face of the lagoon.

Advances in Geosciences, 2014

Small tidal inlets are important features of coastal areas, in terms of provision of access from ... more Small tidal inlets are important features of coastal areas, in terms of provision of access from a back barrier water-body to the ocean as well as periodic circulation of fresh nutrients for the local ecology.

Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geoph... more Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geophysical measurement in the near-shore zone, where in situ measurement is difficult and time consuming. In particular, optical video sensing of the variability in the visible spectrum from the sea surface due to the near-shore incident wave field is becoming an established method for distal measurement of near-shore subtidal morphology. We report on the use of a low-mounted shorenormal camera for gathering data on cross-shore dissipative characteristics of a dynamic, open beach. Data is analysed for the purposes of classifying three of Wright and Shorts' intermediate classes of morphological beach state, as determined by expert raters. Although these beach states are usually thought of as being distinctive in terms of their longshore bar variability, theory predicts that differences should also be observed in cross-shore dissipative characteristics. Three methods of generating features from statistical features from the archived optical data are described and compared, in terms of their ability to discriminate between the beach states. The best performance was obtained using an pixel intensity percentile representation (which does not assume a Gaussian intensity distribution), which classified 85% of the 284 cases correctly. Class centre moment profiles for each beach state were constructed, and results indicate that crossshore wave dissipation becomes more disorganized as linear bars devolve into more complex transverse structures.

Numerical modelling of beach morphodynamics is generally recognized as a valuable tool for scient... more Numerical modelling of beach morphodynamics is generally recognized as a valuable tool for scientists and coastal managers. However, the utility of numerical models is constrained by our ability to establish that the theoretical dynamics match reality. The integrated modules for simulating wave propagation, hydrodynamics and sediment transport in Delft3D, developed by Delft Hydraulics, were applied to simulate observed beach state transitions in response to wave-induced forcing. Initial model bathymetry was derived from hydrographic surveys conducted at Narrowneck beach during the pre- and post-construction phases of the Narrowneck artificial reef (Boak, McGrath and Jackson 2000, Hutt, Black and Mead 1998). The present study addresses the validity of morphological modelling of an exposed beach by comparing the evolution of a numerical model with data observed using remote imaging. Narrowneck beach on the Gold Coast is a micro-tidal, exposed coast subject to a highly variable wave cl...

Journal of Coastal Research

Coastal communities in the Gold Coast, Australia, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, ... more Coastal communities in the Gold Coast, Australia, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, considering their exposure to changing sea levels and storms, the sensitivity of the sedimentary system, and the current capacity to respond to future challenges. In this paper we assessed the overall vulnerability of Palm Beach, a Gold Coast suburb, by (i) modeling extreme storms under future sea levels (ii) modeling the response of the beach to extreme storms under future sea levels (iii) assessing the level of adaptation of coastal management and the adaptive capacity of the coastal community. Results show that sea level rise can trigger higher storm surges and extreme erosion events and that the current level of adaptation and adaptive capacity is still insufficient to cope with such challenges.

Journal of Coastal Research, 2011

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an ex... more The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an extensive collaborative process to identify the highest national priorities for wind-waves research. This was undertaken under the auspices of the Forum for Operational Oceanography Surface Waves Working Group. The main steps in the process were first, soliciting possible research questions from the community via an online survey; second, reviewing the questions at a face-to-face workshop; and third, online ranking of the research questions by individuals. This process resulted in 15 identified priorities, covering research activities and the development of infrastructure. The top five priorities are 1) enhanced and updated nearshore and coastal bathymetry; 2) improved understanding of extreme sea states; 3) maintain and enhance the in situ buoy network; 4) improved data access and sharing; and 5) ensemble and probabilistic wave modeling and forecasting. In this paper, each of the 15 prior...

Coastal Engineering, May 1, 2007

Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, governmen... more Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, government, and research applications. Driving a model of the near-shore wave transformation, from an offshore global swell model such as NOAA WaveWatch3, is an economical means to arrive at swell size estimates at particular locations of interest. Recently, some work (e.g. Browne et al. (2006)) has examined an artificial neural network (ANN) based, empirical approach to wave estimation. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of two data driven approaches to estimating waves nearshore (linear and ANN), and also contrast these with a more traditional spectral wave simulation model (SWAN). Performance was assessed on data gathered from a total of 17 near-shore locations, with heterogenous geography and bathymetry, around the continent of Australia over a 7 month period. It was found that the ANNs out-performed SWAN and the non-linear architecture consistently out-performed the linear method. Variability in performance and differential performance with regard to geographical location could largely be explained in terms of the underlying complexity of the local wave transformation.

Global wind-wave models such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WaveWatch 3 (... more Global wind-wave models such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WaveWatch 3 (NWW3) play an important role in monitoring the world's oceans. However, untransformed data at grid points in deep water provide a poor estimate of swell characteristics at nearshore locations, which are often of significant scientific, engineering, and public interest. Explicit wave modeling, such as the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN), is one method for resolving the complex wave transformations affected by bathymetry, winds, and other local factors. However, obtaining accurate bathymetry and determining parameters for such models is often difficult. When target data is available (i.e., from in situ buoys or human observers, empirical alternatives such artificial neural networks (ANNs) and linear regression may be considered for inferring nearshore conditions from offshore model output. Using a sixfold cross-validation scheme, significant wave height H s and period were estimated at one onshore and two nearshore locations. In estimating H s at the shoreline, the validation performance of the best ANN was r = 0.91, as compared to those of linear regression (0.82), SWAN (0.78), and the NWW3 H s baseline (0.54).

Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, governmen... more Estimation of swell conditions in coastal regions is important for a variety of public, government, and research applications. Driving a model of the near-shore wave transformation from an offshore global swell model such as NOAA WaveWatch3 is an economical means to arrive at swell size estimates at particular locations of interest. Recently, some work (e.g. Browne et al. [Browne, M., Strauss, D., Castelle, B., Blumenstein, M., Tomlinson, R., 2006. Local swell estimation and prediction from a global wind-wave model. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 3 (4), 462-466.]) has examined an artificial neural network (ANN) based, empirical approach to wave estimation. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of two data driven approaches to estimating waves near-shore (linear and ANN), and also contrast these with a more traditional spectral wave simulation model (SWAN). Performance was assessed on data gathered from a total of 17 near-shore locations, with heterogenous geography and bathymetry, around the continent of Australia over a 7 month period. It was found that the ANNs out-performed SWAN and the non-linear architecture consistently out-performed the linear method. Variability in performance and differential performance with regard to geographical location could largely be explained in terms of the underlying complexity of the local wave transformation.

Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geoph... more Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geophysical measurement in the near-shore zone, where in situ measurement is difficult and time consuming. In particular, optical video sensing of the variability in the visible spectrum from the sea surface due to the near-shore incident wave field is becoming an established method for distal measurement of near-shore subtidal morphology. We report on the use of a low-mounted shorenormal camera for gathering data on cross-shore dissipative characteristics of a dynamic, open beach. Data is analysed for the purposes of classifying three of Wright and Shorts' intermediate classes of morphological beach state, as determined by expert raters. Although these beach states are usually thought of as being distinctive in terms of their longshore bar variability, theory predicts that differences should also be observed in cross-shore dissipative characteristics. Three methods of generating features from statistical features from the archived optical data are described and compared, in terms of their ability to discriminate between the beach states. The best performance was obtained using an pixel intensity percentile representation (which does not assume a Gaussian intensity distribution), which classified 85% of the 284 cases correctly. Class centre moment profiles for each beach state were constructed, and results indicate that crossshore wave dissipation becomes more disorganized as linear bars devolve into more complex transverse structures.

Currumbin Creek is a small tidal inlet in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long hi... more Currumbin Creek is a small tidal inlet in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long history of morphological changes, entrance stabilization works and maintenance dredging activities. Despite these activities an effective long-term management plan is yet to be implemented. A key component of the development of such a plan is a model of morphological change, and this paper addresses an investigation of the dynamics of the whole system. A field campaign carried out in March, 2011 and included measurement of nearshore wave regimes, tidal levels and currents inside the creek, and also drogue tracking in the inlet entrance. Wave data was collected over six weeks by ADCPs in water depth of about 7-8m. Tidal current discharges were also measured by an ADCP over two tidal cycles of 14.4 (spring) and 15 (neap) hours. Water levels were recorded using a Valeport Water Level Recorder during the whole measuring period. The investigations show that the creek is mixed, but mostly flood ...

Periodic variation of water level due to tidal forces was first explained by Galileo Galilei in 1... more Periodic variation of water level due to tidal forces was first explained by Galileo Galilei in 1632. Thence several calculation methods have been used by scientists to predict tides. Recently also, many different computer models have been produced. Based on these modelled outputs, tidal variation predictions are generated for important ports and waterways commonly known as “standard port(s)”. Normally, real water levels for such locations are also recorded and compared to the predicted data to more calibrate the prediction method. Additionally, there are a number of “secondary ports” where their tidal predictions are actually dependent on a standard port. This means that there is no full, predicted and/or recorded dataset for such locations and the secondary port characteristics are described relative to their adjacent, better known location. Such relativeness is in terms of time lag and shift in water levels of daily extremes like HHW and so on. This is usually an acceptable appro...

This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-i... more This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-inlet entrance channels in Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks. The sediment exchange and associated maintenance dredging of the inlets are also inherently linked to the development of a strategy to address the present vulnerability of the development-backed, open coast beach situated between the two inlets. These creeks are two of several small tidal inlets in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long morphological history of changes to the surrounding beaches, which are interconnected to the spatial changes of the mouth and entrance channel of these creeks. This has caused the local authority to perform regular stabilization work and maintenance dredging at great expense. Consequently, an effective long-term management plan is necessary so as to offer improved economic and environmental outcomes. To provide data for establishment of such a plan, a field measurement campaign was...

This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-i... more This study is part of a broader research project to build longer, more durable and stable tidal-inlet entrance channels in Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks. The sediment exchange and associated maintenance dredging of the inlets are also inherently linked to the development of a strategy to address the present vulnerability of the development-backed, open coast beach situated between the two inlets. These creeks are two of several small tidal inlets in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. There is a long morphological history of changes to the surrounding beaches, which are interconnected to the spatial changes of the mouth and entrance channel of these creeks. This has caused the local authority to perform regular stabilization work and maintenance dredging at great expense. Consequently, an effective long-term management plan is necessary so as to offer improved economic and environmental outcomes. To provide data for establishment of such a plan, a field measurement campaign was carried out in April-May 2011 by measuring a six-week nearshore wave regime, six weeks of tidal level measurements and two spring and two neap current recordings inside the creeks. The investigations showed the differences between these two adjacent inlets, in terms of dominant tide type, tidal prism volume and nearshore processes. Therefore, two different managerial action plans should be considered in contrast to what exist at the moment. The findings of this research will contribute to the design of alternative entrance geometry or maintenance strategies for Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks.

Hydraulic structures and society - Engineering challenges and extremes, 2014

Many tidal inlets are actively monitored to investigate the change in flood or ebb shoals, as the... more Many tidal inlets are actively monitored to investigate the change in flood or ebb shoals, as these sand deposits can have a major influence on the sediment budget of the adjacent coast. However, here it is hypothesized that the shores of the back barrier area can also act as a source of sediment to be considered in the sediment budget. Therefore, profile changes around Currumbin Creek tidal inlet were considered to identify the extent of such a contribution on the surrounding beach and the overall evolution of the inlet system. The results of 16 weeks survey showed that in general, the shores of the back barrier lagoon had a very marginal effect in the provision of material to the sand budget, although the gorge area is highly vulnerable and dynamic. Even an intense storm event and heavy rainfall during the data collection period, resulting in erosion of the surrounding beaches, showed no significant influence on the shore face of the lagoon.

Advances in Geosciences, 2014

Small tidal inlets are important features of coastal areas, in terms of provision of access from ... more Small tidal inlets are important features of coastal areas, in terms of provision of access from a back barrier water-body to the ocean as well as periodic circulation of fresh nutrients for the local ecology.

Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geoph... more Remote sensing using terrestrial optical CCD cameras is a useful data-collection method for geophysical measurement in the near-shore zone, where in situ measurement is difficult and time consuming. In particular, optical video sensing of the variability in the visible spectrum from the sea surface due to the near-shore incident wave field is becoming an established method for distal measurement of near-shore subtidal morphology. We report on the use of a low-mounted shorenormal camera for gathering data on cross-shore dissipative characteristics of a dynamic, open beach. Data is analysed for the purposes of classifying three of Wright and Shorts' intermediate classes of morphological beach state, as determined by expert raters. Although these beach states are usually thought of as being distinctive in terms of their longshore bar variability, theory predicts that differences should also be observed in cross-shore dissipative characteristics. Three methods of generating features from statistical features from the archived optical data are described and compared, in terms of their ability to discriminate between the beach states. The best performance was obtained using an pixel intensity percentile representation (which does not assume a Gaussian intensity distribution), which classified 85% of the 284 cases correctly. Class centre moment profiles for each beach state were constructed, and results indicate that crossshore wave dissipation becomes more disorganized as linear bars devolve into more complex transverse structures.

Numerical modelling of beach morphodynamics is generally recognized as a valuable tool for scient... more Numerical modelling of beach morphodynamics is generally recognized as a valuable tool for scientists and coastal managers. However, the utility of numerical models is constrained by our ability to establish that the theoretical dynamics match reality. The integrated modules for simulating wave propagation, hydrodynamics and sediment transport in Delft3D, developed by Delft Hydraulics, were applied to simulate observed beach state transitions in response to wave-induced forcing. Initial model bathymetry was derived from hydrographic surveys conducted at Narrowneck beach during the pre- and post-construction phases of the Narrowneck artificial reef (Boak, McGrath and Jackson 2000, Hutt, Black and Mead 1998). The present study addresses the validity of morphological modelling of an exposed beach by comparing the evolution of a numerical model with data observed using remote imaging. Narrowneck beach on the Gold Coast is a micro-tidal, exposed coast subject to a highly variable wave cl...

Journal of Coastal Research

Coastal communities in the Gold Coast, Australia, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, ... more Coastal communities in the Gold Coast, Australia, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, considering their exposure to changing sea levels and storms, the sensitivity of the sedimentary system, and the current capacity to respond to future challenges. In this paper we assessed the overall vulnerability of Palm Beach, a Gold Coast suburb, by (i) modeling extreme storms under future sea levels (ii) modeling the response of the beach to extreme storms under future sea levels (iii) assessing the level of adaptation of coastal management and the adaptive capacity of the coastal community. Results show that sea level rise can trigger higher storm surges and extreme erosion events and that the current level of adaptation and adaptive capacity is still insufficient to cope with such challenges.