Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program
An evaluation and planning process coordinated, funded, and led by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, that allows communities to define climate-related hazards, understand how they may be impacted by climate change based on the latest science and data, identify existing and future climate vulnerabilities and strengths, and target opportunities to reduce risk and build resilience. Based on this information, communities can implement priority actions. Source: MVP program website
Climate Resilience
The ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or problems related to climate. Improving climate resilience involves assessing climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks. Coastal resilience means the ability of a community to “bounce back” after hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding. Sources: NOAA, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Storm Surge
The abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. The rise can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas, especially when it coincides with normal high tide. Its strength depends on the orientation of the coast and intensity of storm, among other factors. Source: NOAA
Wave Energy
Waves are created by energy passing through water, causing it to move in a circular motion. Waves also transmit energy, not water, across the ocean. Because water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, extended pounding by frequent waves can severely damage or destroy coastal structures and erode natural elements such as sand. Wave energy and storm surge work together to impact coastal areas. Source: NOAA
Sea Level Rise
An increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to the effects of global warming, which is caused primarily by two factors: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Sea level rise poses a serious threat to coasts around the world, with consequences including intensified storm surges, flooding, and damage to coastal zones, particularly low-lying areas. Sources: NOAA, National Geographic
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW)
The average of the higher high water height of each tidal day observed over a 19-year tidal cycle referred to as the National Tidal Datum Epoch. Source: NOAA