Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Historic Preservation
Committee Chair/Advisor
Jon Marcoux
Committee Member
Craig Bennett
Committee Member
Amalia Leifeste
Committee Member
Kalen McNabb
Abstract
Multiple aspects of climate change will affect coastal structures. One type of structure in these coastal environments that will be affected is lighthouses. These structures are and important symbol for marine navigation. Without their presents, the coastline loses an important aspect to its significance. There have already been cases of climate change scenarios affecting these structures such as erosion and wave impacts. This thesis focuses on the material vulnerability of lighthouses when in contact with new sea water levels. How vulnerable are lighthouses in terms of their material property to submersion in salt water due to sea level rise along the east coast of the United States? This will be studied by incorporating sea level and Lidar data from NOAA for the years 2050 and 2100 with historic lighthouses along the East Coast to find their inundation levels. By representing these labels within measured drawings of the lighthouses, a clear understanding of what materials will be submerged is revealed. This leads into the analysis of these materials to find their vulnerability ratings when in contact with sea water. What lighthouse materials will be inundated by 2050 and 2100? Which of these materials is more common in lighthouse structures? Which of these materials is the most vulnerable to submersion in salt water? The most common materials found to be inundated from most vulnerable to least is cast iron, brick, and granite. Conservation recommendations are given within this thesis to protect historic lighthouses and extend their lifespans in an everchanging environment.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Brianna, "Navigating the Future: The Material Effects of Sea Level Rise on Lighthouses Along the East Coast of the United States" (2024). All Theses. 4312.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4312