Speaker: Dr. Christopher Hein
Friday, April 11th
11:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE

Coastal Virginia experiences the second fastest rate of sea-level rise in the country and, like almost everywhere else in the world, the rate of rise is increasing. This talk will seek to place modern sea-level rise in the context of past changes in sea level locally and globally, relying on the geologic and historical records, and shed light on whether what we are facing today is truly “unprecedented.” It will explore global processes acting over millions of years to explain why sea level has once been hundreds of feet higher, and just as far lower, than today. Finally, it will end with a discussion of the future: how much faster will sea level rise, and what changes can we expect to the Eastern Shore as a result.

Dr. Hein is an Associate professor in Coastal Geology at The College of William and Mary/VIMS Hein’s research focuses on coastal populations, infrastructure, and ecological communities currently threatened by atmospheric warming, accelerated sea-level rise, changes in the frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and variability in sediment supply rates. His primary research focuses on the mainland and barrier islands of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Chris was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award at William & Mary in 2022.