THE ROLE OF THE DELAWARE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN SUPPORT OF DELAWARE’S PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS FOR HURRICANE SANDY

The coastal regions of southern Delaware are affected by coastal erosion and storm surge flooding during large storms, and the Piedmont of northern Delaware is susceptible to flash flooding during major rain events. Hurricane Sandy was one of the largest storms to affect Delaware’s coast in the past 50 years, only surpassed by the Northeaster of 1962, which left widespread damage as a result of its long duration (5 tide cycles) and wind direction. Sandy produced a maximum of 10.98 inches of rain in coastal Delaware, and 9 of the region’s 17 tidal gages reached record high tides. However, although coastal Delaware was only 60 miles from the center of Sandy’s landfall, the storm’s track stayed to the northeast of the State, allowing Delaware to dodge the most powerful winds and storm surge. But in addition to good fortune, Delaware’s coast was also spared as a result of prior beach replenishment and engineered dune construction, which received good marks for protecting coastal property from storm surge and wave action. The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) maintains the offshore inventory of geologic cores and sediment samples, which are used to identify high-quality sand for beach replenishment.

In response to Delaware’s exposure to coastal storms, the state developed a proactive approach, where state agencies, the university, and local governments-- in cooperation with federal agencies, have integrated resources and efforts for storm preparedness and emergency operations prior to and during storms. The DGS plays an important role in coastal storm preparedness, response, and mitigation. Survey scientists serve on the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s (DEMA) Emergency Response Task Force for natural hazards, and in the DEMA Emergency Operations Center during storm emergencies. DGS also works closely with the Delaware Environmental Observation System (DEOS) and the Delaware State Climatologist. One tool jointly developed by DEOS and DGS, the Delaware Coastal Flood Monitoring System, integrates storm surge forecasts, lidar data, and other real-time meteorological and hydrological information to develop potential flood maps and text/email alerts for emergency planning, response, and recovery operations for decision-makers and first responders.