Citizen scientists map New Hampshire’s beaches

Citizen scientists have spent six years helping to track the changes in New Hampshire's coastline, providing crucial data on how different beaches respond to weather events.

Claire Sullivan reports for New Hampshire Bulletin.

In short:

• Volunteers monitor 15 beach stations, collecting data on elevation and sand volume to understand coastal changes.
• Training involves stringent procedures with UNH scientists to ensure accurate data collection.
• Findings help identify vulnerable beaches and foster community engagement with coastal science.

Key quote:

“Where are the beaches that need the most help to prevent the worst impacts of storms?”

— Larry Ward, one of the principal investigators of the University of New Hampshire’s Volunteer Beach Profile Monitoring Program

Why this matters:

New Hampshire’s coastline, though short, is a microcosm of broader environmental challenges. As sea levels rise and weather patterns become more erratic due to climate change, understanding how our beaches evolve is more important than ever.