Impact of Projected Climate-Driven Sea Level Rise on Liquefaction Vulnerability in Charleston, South Carolina

Session: Near-Surface Effects: Advances in Site Response Estimation and Its Applications
Type: Oral
Date: 4/28/2020
Time: 03:30 PM
Room: 110 + 140
Description: 

While flooding is commonly recognized as a significant consequence of sea level rise, several studies have shown that groundwater will also rise with the sea level in coastal areas. The 1886 Charleston earthquake killed approximately 125 people, seriously damaged thousands of buildings and caused widespread liquefaction. While it is unclear when the next big earthquake will hit, the water table looms as a growing concern as the earth warms and seas continue to rise. This study investigated the impact of sea level rise on liquefaction vulnerability at 475 years return period level of earthquake shaking for sites in Charleston, South Carolina. The study employed the liquefaction potential index to compare the current liquefaction vulnerability to the projected sea level rise induced liquefaction vulnerability. The ArcGIS software was used to develop liquefaction potential index maps for Charleston, SC. The results indicate significant changes in vulnerability to liquefaction by the end of century.

Presenting Author: Simon T. Ghanat

Authors