Hands on Science to communicate innovations in research – engaging the public in coastal wave hazard measurements to inform management activities

Abstract

Rising sea level is increasing the flood hazard from sea defence overtopping. New coastal schemes therefore need to be cost-effective and future-proofed. WireWall, with its portable, low cost measurement technology, is a system that can collect overtopping velocities and volumes to inform new scheme design and validate flood forecasting systems. Whilst the application of technology is important, it is equally vital that the scientific community actively engage with the public to raise awareness and understanding of coastal defence initiatives. To engage the public in understanding coastal hazard, how it is managed and how new advances in research informs management decisions, a portable demonstration model of the WireWall field rig has been developed. The tool is hands on, eye catching and user-friendly; and showcases new advances in technology to support coastal flood risk management thus educating the coastal community about changing hazard to promote public preparedness. This tool has successfully initiated in situ engagement between the public, coastal practitioners and researchers to develop support for a new scheme being planned at the WireWall study site. The future wellbeing of coastal communities depends on clear communication of new research that is making sense of changing seas. Here a methodology is presented that achieves just that. The communication facilitated through the design approach used to develop this tool, has turned knowledge and technological innovations into accessible information for government, business and the public.

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