Map of Coastal Change-Potential

Conclusions

The coastal change-potential index (CPI) provides insight into the relative potential of coastal change due to future sea-level change. The maps and data presented here can be viewed in at least two ways:

1. as an indication of where physical changes are most likely to occur as sea level continues to change; and
2. as a planning tool for the GBNPP.

As ranked in this study, geomorphology, regional coastal slope, wave energy, and mean tidal range are the most important variables in determining the CPI for GBNPP. GBNPP preserves a dynamic natural environment, which must be understood in order to be managed properly. The CPI is one way that park managers can assess objectively the natural factors that contribute to the evolution of the coastal zone, and thus how the park may evolve in the future.