Date of Presentation

4-20-2018 12:00 PM

College

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

Faculty Sponsor(s)

Jagadish Torlapati

Poster Abstract

The primary goal of this clinic project is to measure the ecological footprint of the flood mitigation structures in Absecon Inlet. This area is prone to floods due to rising sea levels and storms. Beaches and boardwalks were affected during numerous hurricanes including: Jose (2017), Andrea (2013), Sandy (2012), Irene (2011), and Hanna (2008). Seawalls, sand dunes, and jetties were constructed to protect the shoreline from these floods based on the studies conducted by the US Army Corp of Engineers. In this clinic, we assess the effect of these man-made structures on the ecology of the surrounding areas. The ecology of the area is mainly the habitat of the residents, aquatic life and other animals that live on the sandy beaches and in the wetlands. This area is home to endangered species such as piping plovers and the diamondback terrapin. The proposed and existing flood mitigation structures could have a tremendous impact on the biodiversity of Absecon. In addition, we would investigate alternate sustainable solutions that can mitigate floods without affecting the ecology.

Student Keywords

floods, sustainability, resilience, seawall, ecological, footprint, absecon, atlantic city, engineering

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Poster

Share

COinS
 
Apr 20th, 12:00 PM

Ecological Footprint of Flood Mitigation Structures at the Absecon Inlet

The primary goal of this clinic project is to measure the ecological footprint of the flood mitigation structures in Absecon Inlet. This area is prone to floods due to rising sea levels and storms. Beaches and boardwalks were affected during numerous hurricanes including: Jose (2017), Andrea (2013), Sandy (2012), Irene (2011), and Hanna (2008). Seawalls, sand dunes, and jetties were constructed to protect the shoreline from these floods based on the studies conducted by the US Army Corp of Engineers. In this clinic, we assess the effect of these man-made structures on the ecology of the surrounding areas. The ecology of the area is mainly the habitat of the residents, aquatic life and other animals that live on the sandy beaches and in the wetlands. This area is home to endangered species such as piping plovers and the diamondback terrapin. The proposed and existing flood mitigation structures could have a tremendous impact on the biodiversity of Absecon. In addition, we would investigate alternate sustainable solutions that can mitigate floods without affecting the ecology.