Sensing storm surge: A framework for establishing a citizen scientist monitored water level network

Abstract

Storm surges and extreme water levels are notably more unpredictable in estuaries that are inland from the immediate coast. Estuarine water level data is often non-existent or coarse in resolution, making concrete physical science studies on the data difficult to conduct. Often, communities abutting estuaries have insufficient data to inform coastal zone managers on flood risk, creating uncertainty in planning and adaptation strategies. This study presents a framework for communities to build a citizen science water level monitoring network in estuaries using technical sensors that yield quantitative data helpful for researchers and local stakeholders. The framework provides guidance for establishing a volunteer storm surge monitoring network, how the network functions, and how to use these data. We detail lessons learned applying this framework via a case study in Maine, a state noted for its long shoreline, which is mainly estuarine in nature, where a citizen science network was established to collect bulk water level measurements in four different estuaries. With these data, storm surges were calculated in each estuary allowing local community managers access to extreme water level data for their area. This is one of the first studies reporting on how an environmental monitoring tool was developed, deployed, and used to engage citizen scientists and produce quality data useable in peer-reviewed coastal oceanography journals. Ultimately, the methods outlined in this study can be used and improved in similar projects elsewhere, creating a means for coastal planners and researchers to work together in solving mutual problems and building “smart communities”.