High-Resolution Water Level Forecasting for the Georgia Coast
To improve coastal flood forecasting and resilience planning, we use NOAA’s STOFS-3D (Short-Term Water Level Forecast System – 3D) model in combination with the SCHISM (Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydroscience Integrated System Model) platform.
STOFS-3D is a nationwide, 3D operational model developed by NOAA that predicts short-term water levels, currents, and salinity across U.S. coastal waters. It provides critical boundary conditions by integrating tides, weather, and ocean dynamics in real time.
To bring these forecasts down to the local scale, we use SCHISM, a high-resolution coastal model capable of simulating complex shoreline features, estuaries, and floodplains. SCHISM allows us to capture fine-scale water level variations along the Georgia coast with greater precision.
This combined system supports more accurate, localized flood forecasting to better protect communities and infrastructure from coastal hazards