How resilient are our shores? Applications of nuclear techniques to the study of storm surges, tsunamis and sea level rise

Abstract

Among the contributions of healthy coastal and marine ecosystems is their role in providing fresh air, clean water, coastline protection, nutrient recycling, food supply, and resources foreconomic growth and recreation. They also have an important aesthetic and cultural value for humankind. As well, they are important reservoirs of biodiversity at a time when the loss of species on both land and in the sea is an increasing cause for concern. Protecting these systems requires knowledge about the impact of pollution and other threats, and how well countries can strengthen the resilience of ecosystems. Nuclear and isotopic techniques are able to track various pollutants, such as terrestrial carbon sources and how they are cycled in ecosystems. Isotopic techniques can reveal the bio-magnifi cation of toxic pollutants in marine food webs, contributing to the safety of seafood and the health of coastal populations. Nuclear techniques can also be applied to understand feeding relationships and energy flow in order to assess marine food web stability - a key component for sustainable fisheries and ecosystem resilience.