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Dykelands : Strategic Importance for Climate Change Adaptation . Dr. Danika van Proosdij Dept. of Geography. MCCAP workshop Feb 2013. Photo Credit: . Con Desplanque,. Outline. Geographical Setting. Extensive low lying intertidal environments. Dyking history & subsidence. Moncton.

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  1. Dykelands: Strategic Importance for Climate Change Adaptation Dr. Danika van Proosdij Dept. of Geography MCCAP workshop Feb 2013 Photo Credit: Con Desplanque,

  2. Outline

  3. Geographical Setting Extensive low lying intertidal environments Dyking history & subsidence Moncton Sackville Amherst Truro Freshwater flooding Wolfville Windsor • Other areas: Annapolis valley

  4. Consequences of Climate Change • Increased frequency & intensity of storm activity • predicted relative sea level rise 1.2 – 1.93 m by 2100 (includes increase in tidal amplitude) (Greenberg et al., 2012; Daigle 2011) • damage to coastal infrastructure • increased property loss • increased flood risks & potential loss of life • coastal erosion • freshwater flooding & dam failure

  5. Greenburg et al., 2012 • RSLR~0.41 – 0.79 m by 2055 • Risk of storm surge is therefore predicted to increase

  6. Storm Surge • impact depends on tide level • water level determines duration • cause floods & are destructive • SLR will increase storm surge effects • dykes have either overtopped or breached on numerous occasions

  7. Strategic Importance for Climate Change Adaptation • Dykes are the second line of defense after coastal wetlands & no longer simply protect agricultural land • Over time residential, public and commercial development has taken place on adjacent lands which are now vulnerable to dyke overtopping or breaching. • Perceived perception of safety • It is estimated that temporary delays caused by flooding on the TransCanada Hwy between NS and NB will halt more than $50M/day of trade (Webster et al. 2012). Source: Webster et al., 2011

  8. Factors Affecting Vulnerability Subsidence & isolation from coastal sediment input • Isolated from tidal flow and new sediment input, the agricultural soils behind the dyke will compact and subside over time. • Foreshore marsh however continues to receive sediment & increases in elevation • Results in significant difference in elevation in front & behind dyke • Net effect = ponding of salt or freshwater flooding & potential blockage (siltation) of aboiteaux structures

  9. Aboiteaux • one way • cannot open at high tide • delay FW drainage

  10. Truro, NS, March 31, 2003 (Photo Claude Barbeau; http://www.novaweather.net/Flood_2003.html)

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