Conducting and Evaluating Stakeholder Workshops to Facilitate Updates to a Storm Surge Forecasting Model for Coastal Louisiana
Abstract
As coastal Louisiana evolves morphologically, ecologically, and from engineering advancements, there is a crucial need to continually adjust real-time forecasting and coastal restoration planning models. This presentation discusses planning, conducting, and evaluating stakeholder workshops to support such an endeavor. The workshops are part of an ongoing Louisiana Sea Grant-sponsored project. The project involves updating an ADCIRC (Advanced Circulation) mesh representation of topography including levees and other flood control structures by applying previously-collected elevation data and new data acquired during the project. The workshops are designed to educate, solicit input, and ensure incorporation of topographic features into the framework is accomplished in the best interest of stakeholders. During this project's first year, three one-day workshops directed to levee managers and other local officials were convened at agricultural extension facilities in Hammond, Houma, and Lake Charles, Louisiana. The objectives were to provide a forum for participants to learn about the ADCIRC framework, understand the importance of accurate elevations for a robust surge model, discuss and identify additional data sources, and become familiar with the CERA (Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment) visualization tool. The workshop structure consisted of several scientific presentations with questions/answer time (ADCIRC simulation inputs and outputs; ADCIRC framework elevation component; description and examples of topographic features such as levees, roadways, railroads, etc. currently utilized in the mesh; ADCIRC model validation demonstration through historic event simulations; CERA demonstration), a breakout activity for participant groups to identify and discuss raised features not currently in the mesh and document them on provided worksheets, and a closing session for debriefing and discussion of future model improvements. Evaluation involved developing, and analyzing a written survey of participants administered at the workshop conclusion. The survey measured satisfaction with the workshop's content, format, and utility and gathered future recommendations. Results showed the workshops were successful and further feedback will be shared in this presentation.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFMGC23F1298D
- Keywords:
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- 0416 Biogeophysics;
- BIOGEOSCIENCESDE: 0429 Climate dynamics;
- BIOGEOSCIENCESDE: 1630 Impacts of global change;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1641 Sea level change;
- GLOBAL CHANGE