King Tides Presentation

Photographer captures a shot of a recent king tide at Shore Acres.\Photo by Josh Harlukowicz.

CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator Jesse Jones will make an online presentation to the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) on the subject of the King Tides Project on Monday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m.  CoastWatch frequently partners with NAME, as with the annual Sharing the Coast Conference (unfortunately suspended during the pandemic).  The event is free and open to all.

CoastWatch collaborates with the state’s Coastal Management Program in organizing the annual King Tides Project, Oregon’s piece of an international citizen science effort.  The project, which involves volunteer photographers documenting the highest reach of each winter’s highest tides, has been completed for 2021-22.  However, this presentation will explain the basics of the project, and prepare prospective volunteers for next winter’s opportunities.

Sea level is rising, and is predicted to continue rising significantly for the foreseeable future due to global warming. Some areas of the Oregon coast are already vulnerable to high water levels because of their low elevations and proximity to the shoreline. Rising sea levels means increased erosion and more frequent and expanded flooding in the future. An infrequent, extreme tide event today could become the normal high tide in the future.  Documenting the “king tides,” the highest tides of the year, provides a preview of that future.

Understanding and documenting the extent and impacts of especially high tide events is one way to highlight the need to prepare for future climate change impacts. The King Tides Project generates information that coastal communities, planners, and public agencies can use to reduce vulnerabilities to rising sea levels.

To register for this event, go here.