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INSTRUCTORS:
Thomas Wahl
Emanuele Savoca
Conrad P. Davis
Fernando López-Arias
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering 2026.
Machine Learning for Broadscale Storm Surge Modelling (15 minutes)
This presentation explores how machine learning can be used to model storm surge hazards at continental and global scales. Participants will learn why broadscale storm surge information is important for climate adaptation, flood risk assessment, and infrastructure planning. The speaker introduces machine learning architectures that use atmospheric, oceanographic, and coastal characteristics to predict storm surge levels. Attendees will discover how static coastal attributes such as shelf width and tidal range can improve prediction accuracy. The presentation compares machine learning results against traditional hydrodynamic models and discusses challenges in representing extreme events such as hurricanes. Participants will also learn about transfer learning methods for predicting storm surge at locations with limited observations. The session provides insight into how artificial intelligence can complement traditional coastal hazard modeling.
Eco-Morphodynamic Modelling of Nature-based Solutions in Mediterranean Coastal Wetlands (11 minutes)
This presentation examines the role of coastal wetlands as nature-based solutions for reducing compound flood risk. Participants will learn how coastal, riverine, and lagoon processes interact to influence flooding in wetland environments. The speaker presents an integrated numerical modeling framework that combines wave propagation, hydrodynamics, and flood mapping. Attendees will explore how wetland connectivity and inlet management affect flood storage and flood mitigation performance. The presentation evaluates present-day and future climate scenarios, including sea-level rise impacts. Participants will gain insight into how restoration and management actions can influence flood dynamics and wetland functionality. The session highlights the value of wetlands as adaptive solutions for coastal resilience.
Salt Marsh Hydrodynamics to Inform Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (16 minutes)
This presentation investigates how beneficial use of dredged material can support salt marsh restoration and resilience. Participants will learn about field monitoring techniques used to measure tidal flows, water levels, and channel hydrodynamics before and after marsh restoration activities. The speaker examines how sediment placement alters marsh channel characteristics and flow patterns. Attendees will gain an understanding of how hydrodynamic measurements can be used to evaluate restoration performance. The presentation discusses the relationship between tidal prism, channel velocities, and marsh stability. Participants will learn how beneficial use projects can support habitat restoration while reducing marsh degradation. The session provides practical guidance for evaluating restoration outcomes in coastal wetlands.
New Approach and Tool to Estimate Wave Height Attenuation Provided by Mangrove Forests (13 minutes)
This presentation introduces a new methodology for estimating wave attenuation provided by mangrove forests without relying on traditional drag coefficient calibration methods. Participants will learn how mangrove structure and geometry affect wave dissipation. The speaker presents a modeling approach based on submerged solid volume fraction, which accounts for the physical characteristics of different mangrove species. Attendees will explore how laboratory studies and field observations were used to validate the approach. The presentation highlights the complexity of wave-vegetation interactions and the challenges associated with representing mixed-species forests. Participants will gain insight into applying vegetation-based attenuation models in practical engineering studies. The session demonstrates how mangroves can be incorporated into coastal protection assessments.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how machine learning techniques can be applied to large-scale storm surge prediction and hazard assessment.
- Discuss how wetland morphology and hydraulic connectivity influence compound flood behavior in coastal environments.
- Identify how dredged material placement can alter marsh hydrodynamics and influence restoration performance.
- Describe how mangrove physical characteristics influence wave attenuation and coastal protection performance.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Coastal Scientist
- Coastal Resilience Program Manager
- Government Coastal Zone Manager
- University Student or Researcher
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]