Understanding Inland Flooding

The impacts of sea level rise (SLR) are of increasing concern to coastal communities along the California coast. Marine inundation and groundwater shoaling—seawater moving inland, sometimes forcing groundwater to the surface—can significantly diminish the drainage capacity of coastal communities and increase vulnerability to flooding, especially for underserved communities with inadequate infrastructure. USC Sea Grant funded a study to understand the vulnerability of urban infrastructure in underserved coastal communities across California against simultaneous sources of flooding, or compound flooding, and groundwater shoaling. The study will specifically work with partner communities to address these vulnerabilities, in addition to conducting social surveys on green infrastructure (focusing on rain gardens). This will result in establishing a mechanistic framework to assist decision-makers in analyzing, adapting, and building resilience of critical water infrastructure in disadvantaged communities.