University of Central Florida

Coastal flooding seems like an unpredictable event, a natural disaster that occurs randomly. But UCF researcher Ivan Haigh has found that recurrent coastal floods actually occur at highly predictable times.

A recent study including UCF researcher Thomas Wahl reveals that sinking ground levels and rising sea levels are occurring more rapidly than previously understood, often worsening flooding in coastal communities.

More than a dozen researchers are working on a wide variety of research that looks to prepare, respond, and mitigate hurricane impacts in Florida and beyond.

The tool can provide disaster readiness reports for 13.3 million addresses in 196 counties along the Gulf of Mexico — including all of Florida, and parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.

The study analyzed tide gauge observations along coastlines in Europe, and the researchers have plans to further develop the method for use in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Predicting periods of relatively higher flood risk would allow officials to prepare and deploy resources more in advance.

University of Central Florida researchers use historical data from tide gauges along U.S. coast to indicate the extent of weather and ocean forces on extreme sea levels.

A team of international researchers has found a link between seasonal fluctuations in sea level to a long-time phenomenon — Rossby Waves. And this connection may lead to a new tool to help coastal communities better anticipate and mitigate “nuisance flooding” impacts.