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Sea-Level Rise
Storm-surge flooding and coastal erosion are problems that are with us today. According to the Geological Survey of Canada, parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are some of the most vulnerable areas in Canada to sea-level rise.
In addition to sea-level rise caused by climate change, land is subsiding in the Maritimes by about 20 cm per century.
Sea-level rise and climate change issues in the coastal zone
- higher and more frequent flooding of wetlands and adjacent shores
- expanded flooding during severe storms and high tides
- increased wave energy in the near-shore area
- upward and land-ward migration of beaches
- accelerated coastal retreat, including dune and cliff erosion, breaching of coastal barriers, and destabilization of coastal inlets
- salt water intrusion into coastal freshwater aquifers
- damage to coastal infrastructure—like bridges, wharves and roads
- impacts on coastal ecosystems
- broad impacts on the coastal economy
- decreased sea ice protection leading to increased wave attack and coastal erosion
Rising sea levels in southeastern New Brunswick have already had significant impacts, and are expected to accelerate as a result of the warming effect of climate change. Most damage is caused by coastal flooding and erosion.
In winter, sea ice can protect the shoreline from the impacts of ocean waves, but it can also become a hazard under extreme storm surge conditions—as evidenced by the devastating damage done to the Cap-des-Caissie wharf in January 2000.
Project Goals/Description
“Impacts of Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change on the Coastal Zone of Southeastern New Brunswick” is a three-year, $2.5 million study managed by Environment Canada and carried out by scientists and researchers from over a dozen government and academic groups. The project is carried out in consultation with municipalities and planning commissions, and with additional financial support from the Government of Canada's Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program. The project covers sections of coastline from Kouchibouguac National Park to Cape Jourimain.
The goal of the project is to measure the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise in support of sustainable management, community resilience and the development of adaptation strategies for these impacts.
In carrying out the project, researchers are studying how the coastal area has been changing in past years and making predictions on how it will change over the next 100 years. Using very precise surveying methods, digital elevation maps are being created to show which areas would be affected (or flooded) by higher sea-levels, especially when combined with high tides or storm surge. Still other researchers are talking with local industry, government and community members to get a sense of local priorities on adapting to a changing coastal zone.
The project's final report is due in 2006. Ultimately, the project will provide valuable information to those who use this coast. This information will help with planning for future human usage along the coast, as well as management of wildlife and plant habitat in the coastal zone.
Project Team
- Université de Moncton
- Laurentian University
- University of New Brunswick
- Mount Allison University
- Centre of Geographic Sciences (Nova Scotia Community College)
- Dalhousie University
- La Dune de Bouctouche
- Province of New Brunswick
- Environment Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
- Parks Canada
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
- Government of Canada's Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program
- Beaubassin Planning Commission
- Kent Planning Commission
Project Components
The Sea-Level Rise project is made up of ten components called “sub-projects.” Click on the links below for more on each of these sub-projects.
