Forecasting Hazards
A closer look at how IOOS supports coastal safety, resilience, and environmental preparedness through real-time ocean data.
Protecting Health and Safety with Ocean Data
Integrated ocean data improves the ability to forecast environmental changes and hazardous events, enabling timely action. For example:
- Real-time monitoring of ocean temperatures and currents helps predict harmful algal blooms.
- Alerts allow West Coast oyster growers and East Coast shellfish harvesters to respond quickly to unsafe shellfish conditions.
- Beach closures can be issued in advance to prevent illness from algae exposure.
Battling Rip Currents on Two Coasts
Rip currents are the deadliest surf-related hazard in the U.S., causing more than 100 deaths each year. IOOS regions are addressing this threat through:
Mid-Atlantic Region
- Daily surf zone advisories with real-time warnings and 24-hour forecasts.
- Coastal radar and modeling to enhance rip tide detection.
- Lifeguard support and preparedness.
Caribbean Region
- 20–30 deaths annually attributed to rip currents.
- Development of beach safety data products.
- Collaboration with municipal emergency management to identify high-risk beaches and share current patterns.
Strengthening Port Safety and Economic Resilience
In the Pacific Northwest, timely data is essential to support over 20 active ports. IOOS provides:
Real-time Data
Wave and current data near Columbia River bar
NANOOS Tools
Forecast currents, temperature, and salinity
Fisher Support
Safe and efficient trip planning tools
225 Views/Day
First fishing season data tool usage
Real-Time Response to Tsunamis
The March 2011 tsunami in Japan showcased IOOS’s value in emergency preparedness.
Pacific Islands (PacIOOS)
- Real-time water level and debris data in Waikiki
- Public safety alerts and evacuation warnings
- Website traffic increased 10x during tsunami arrival
Northwest (NANOOS)
- Google Map-based evacuation zone tools for Oregon
- Website traffic quadrupled during the event
Central & Northern CA
- Real-time tsunami data across four bays
- Webcam visuals and media information
- Asset protection ahead of wave impact
Responding to Dynamic Coastal Hazards
The Pacific Northwest faces seasonal erosion, flooding, and seismic threats. IOOS helps communities plan and adapt through:
- Cross-state beach mapping between Washington and Oregon.
- Seamless data sharing across political boundaries.
- Support tools for planners, engineers, and researchers.
- Applications include shoreline change tracking, climate research, and hazard response.
Strengthening Resilience in Pacific Islands
The U.S. Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal erosion, and high wave events. To reduce risks, IOOS and its partners:
Monthly Site Visitors
5k to
k
Regional Associations
0
x Daily
- Map coastline change and identify vulnerable zones
- Provide high water and flooding forecasts
- Developed hazard rating system with University of Hawaii
- Real-time wave and wind data integration
Enabling Environmental Action
Timely, accessible data supports rapid responses to environmental emergencies. For instance:
Sewage Spill Response
After a sewage spill, IOOS data can track the likely path of contamination.
Cleanup crews can respond faster, reducing public health risks and environmental impact.