Using Vulnerability and Planning Data to Measure Resilience in Coastal North Carolina

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Gary I. Monitz (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

Burrell E. Montz

Abstract: Along the coast of North Carolina development has put tremendous stress on already delicate natural systems. Consisting almost entirely of barrier islands this region is highly dynamic and subject to a variety of acute and chronic natural hazards. In order to continue to enjoy these areas for recreation and reap the economic benefits that they bring it will be essential to strike a balance between human activity and nature. This can only be accomplished through effective planning and coastal management. It is argued here that resilient coastal communities result from the combination of relatively low natural vulnerability as well as planning and management strategies aimed at effectively adapting to different types of hazards. Taking both vulnerability and planning into account a resilience index has been devised and is used to compare three different communities along the North Carolina coast. The results suggest that traditional mitigation strategies are insufficient and that more adaptive approaches will be necessary to sustain these communities. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2011

Keywords

Geography, Land Use Planning, Hazards, Kitty Hawk (N.C.), Resilience, Sunset Beach (N.C.), Topsail Beach (N.C.), Vulnerability

Subjects

Land use--North Carolina--Planning

Coastal zone management--North Carolina

Real estate development--North Carolina

Barrier island ecology--North Carolina

Coastal ecology--North Carolina

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