 |
 |
Published 12/24/08
Research Suggests Winds Mean Climate Change for Oregon Coast
 |
| Newport's economy also runs on its fishing fleet, which can be impacted by the dead zone. |
(Santa Cruz, California) - Climate change may have a variety of impacts on wind strength along the west coast, and in turn affect other climate aspects of that region, say scientists.
Researchers at the Climate Change and Impacts Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz, recently released documents that say future increases in wind strength in these areas may have far-reaching effects, including more intense upwelling of cold water along the Oregon coast early in the season and increased fire danger in Southern California.
Earth scientist Mark Snyder presented the findings last week at a conference of American Geophysical Union (AGU) in San Francisco. It all points to some bigger weather extremes, an increased frequency in large wind events along the Oregon coast and an effect on the infamous "dead zone" that's been occurring along the central coast.
 |
| A stormy, windy Manzanita. |
Snyder's group studied the possible climate changes coming to the west coast of the U.S. because of global warming and how it drives increased concentrations of greenhouse gasses. The regional climate model they used suggested a general increase in wind speeds along the coast is likely to accompany regional changes in the area.
"What we think is going on is that land temperatures are increasing at a faster rate than the ocean temperatures, and this thermal gradient between the land and the ocean is driving increased winds," Snyder said in a press release.
The researchers conducted multiple runs of their regional model to compare simulations of the coastal climate for two time periods: 1968 to 2000 ("modern climate") and 2038 to 2070 ("future climate"). The regional model was driven by input from the global climate models used in the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR4). The future climate projections were based on a "high-growth" emissions scenario (A2) thought to provide an upper range of possible future climates, although Snyder noted that recent global carbon dioxide emissions have exceeded even the highest projections of earlier IPCC reports.
 |
| Wind events affect storm and storm surges, which eroded part of a highway cliff in Newport in 2007 (photo Guy DiTorrice). |
The results showed increases in wind speeds of up to 2 meters per second, which is a large change in relation to current average wind speeds of about 5 meters per second, Snyder said. One effect of these increased winds may be earlier and more intense upwelling of cold water along the coast.
While upwelling is a positive dynamic in the world’s oceans, bringing lots of rich nutrients upward by pulling deeper water higher in the marine ecosystem, it seems to be veering out of control along the Oregon coast. Researchers at OSU think too much upwelling may be causing the massive "dead zone" that has begun to appear with alarming regularity off the Oregon coast. This is being driven by stronger, more persistent winds, and then stimulating excessive growth of the microscopic algae known as phytoplankton. Those begin choking the ocean’s ecosystem as they sink to the bottom, decompose in huge numbers and suck the oxygen out of the water.
The effect can be devastating to local fish and crab populations.
 |
| Storm debris at a Cannon Beach beach access. |
Snyder said these conditions may become more prevalent in the future, and stronger winds all along the coast may cause the Oregon dead zone to expand into California waters.
Strong winds can also create extremely hazardous fire conditions, as was seen this fall in Southern California – or last year's mega-storm in December.
On the positive side, strong winds would be good for the growing wind energy industry. Snyder also noted that an enhanced sea breeze during the warm months of the year has a cooling effect along the coast. Such a cooling trend could have many ramifications, particularly for coastal species adapted to seasonal changes in temperatures and fog, he said.
Snyder's coauthors are graduate student Travis O'Brien and Lisa Sloan, professor of Earth and planetary sciences and director of the Climate Change and Impacts Lab.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
RELATED STORIES
Biggest Oregon Coast News Stories of the Year What an interesting time 2008 was
Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights
Staggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding set
Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities
Oregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reports
|
Seaside,
Oregon Lodging Calendar
of events Oregon
coast mileage chart & map Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles Oregon
Coast Real Estate Atypical
Things to Do Oregon Coast Complete Guides every beach access, attraction |
|||||||||||||
OR
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR |
|||||||||||||
|
Secrets of the Season |
CONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION