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- The Texas A & M University Division of Nearshore Research (DNR) measures and
predicts coastal and ocean phenomena, works to ensure safe navigation, and
serves the Texas public in many ways:
1. Protecting Texas Submerged Resources - DNR works to fulfill this goal by
monitoring and observing changes in water level, which affect the littoral
boundary of Texas coastal areas. DNR scientists strive to understand how
coastal and ocean long-term and short-term water level change are affected by
natural and human-caused changes. Scientists assess conditions and attempt to
predict the potential impacts of physical stressors on these economically
important and sensitive environments that exist under the jurisdiction of the
State of Texas.
2. Understanding Water Level Change and Variability - DNR is responsible for
providing scientific data and information to help measure and predict the
impacts of climate change on the Texas coast. DNR works to reduce the impacts
of storms and flooding by developing disaster preparedness information such as
early warning systems to assist emergency managers develop evacuation plans for
coastal communities. The water level change impacts that are most relevant to
DNR scientists include those that alter relative sea levels and the frequency
and strength of coastal storms.
3. Fulfilling Weather and Water Information Needs - DNR collects and
distributes many types of water-related information, including hydrographic
survey data. It also collects tide and water-level data through the Physical
Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) in Galveston Bay and the Texas Coastal
Ocean Observation Network. Using these data, NOS endeavors to understand the
relationships between weather, coastal communities and the ecosystems that
support them. DNR assists scientists at the Texas Water Development Board
develop coastal, bay and harbor circulation models that demonstrate water level
changes, subsidence, water currents, temperature and salinity. These models
help the State of Texas forecast the potential impacts of storm events. Thus,
DNR provides federal, state and local decision makers with educational
materials, tools and scientific data so that they can plan and prepare for
hazards.
4. Supporting Commerce and Transportation - DNR uses advanced technology to
collect hydrographic and shoreline data, and to monitor tides and water levels
to ensure safe and efficient marine transportation. Other products and
services, including electronic navigational charts, PORTS information, and
access to precise global positioning system data, improve the accuracy of
vessel movement and precise positioning. DNR?s data products and services are
critical to ensuring that the Texas marine transportation system, which is
expected to grow exponentially over the next 20 years, will be able to handle
additional commerce.
Website: "http://lighthouse.tamucc.edu/Main/HomePage"
[Summary provided by Texas A & M University.]
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