NOAA Releases First Modeled Historical Water Level and Wave Dataset for Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf Coasts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) announced the release of the first-ever modeled, historical water level and wave dataset for the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf coasts on January 13. This groundbreaking dataset, named Coastal Ocean Reanalysis (CORA), provides over 40 years of historical water level and wave information at a resolution of every 500 meters along the U.S. coastline.
Prior to the release of CORA, long-term water level data was only available at NOAA tide gauge locations, which were often hundreds of miles apart in some coastal areas. With the launch of CORA, researchers, scientists, and policymakers now have access to a comprehensive dataset spanning from 1979 to 2022, enabling a deeper understanding of coastal dynamics and trends over time.
Analise Keeney, the project lead and oceanographer at NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), highlighted the significance of CORA in providing valuable insights into past flood risks and coastal vulnerabilities. For instance, in Charleston, South Carolina, CORA revealed the extensive inland flooding caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, shedding light on the evolution of flood risks in the region.
By integrating CORA’s historical datasets into existing tools such as the Sea Level Calculator and High Tide Flooding Outlooks, NOAA aims to enhance coastal resilience and preparedness efforts. The availability of this comprehensive dataset will support research, machine learning applications, and informed decision-making in various sectors, including coastal resource management and energy planning.
Looking ahead, NOAA plans to expand the Coastal Ocean Reanalysis project to include datasets for the West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska by late 2026. These additional datasets will further enhance our understanding of coastal dynamics and provide valuable insights for coastal communities across the United States.
Overall, the release of CORA marks a significant milestone in advancing our knowledge of coastal processes and risks, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and adapt to changing coastal environments. The integration of historical data into NOAA’s tools and products will strengthen our ability to address coastal challenges and build resilience in the face of future events.