How to Prepare for Rising Seas: Integral’s Cheryl Hapke Presents on Toolkit for Coastlines

Wave and storm surge can lead to erosion and flooding. Hazard modeling is required to understand vulnerability.

In an era of rising seas, planning is key to preserving the nation’s coastlines.  But what is the best way to prepare for coastal flooding or rising oceans?  What are the decision points that lead to action?

Integral senior consultant Cheryl Hapke, Ph.D., will discuss Coastal ADAPT, a new coastal adaptation and planning Toolkit that provides a framework used to move a community through hazard awareness into adaptation planning. Dr. Hapke will present on Coastal ADAPT during the National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology, held both in-person and online on February 3-5, 2021.

A coastal geologist known for her work in coastal hazards and processes, and mapping Florida’s coastlines, Dr. Hapke will showcase Coastal ADAPT using a case study for planning at Captiva, Florida. 

“Coastal ADAPT engages stakeholders in an interactive way, supporting development of a holistic adaptation plan specific to client needs,” explains Hapke.

Dr. Hapke has served as a technical advisor on coastal change hazards to state and federal agencies and international groups.  An author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, she has provided research and leadership in the development of the U.S. Coastal Research Program.

Dr. Hapke is part of Integral’s coastal resiliency team, which has helped beachfront communities across California and now in Florida. The team recently won a contract for beach and dune enhancement in South Padre Island, Texas, where Dr. Hapke is providing oversight support.  Integral’s award-winning coastal planning work has been featured in the LA Times.

Integral’s coastal resilience team provides services in 

• Coastal Site Characterization and Assessment
• Coastal Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
• Sea Level Rise Adaptation
• Post-event Assessment and Resiliency Planning
• Geologic Framework: Geomorphic and Geophysical Investigation
• Coastal Program Management and Coordination.

For more information on Integral’s related services, contact Dr. Hapke at chapke@integral-corp.com.