4
June 2016
7
DHEC Needs Your
Help With Study
of King Tides
Story Highlights
The Department of Health and
Environmental Control (DHEC) is
"King Tides" are the highest
leading the South Carolina King Tides
seasonal tides occurring each year initiative to document the effect that
extreme tide events have on our state's
DHEC is conducting a study on
beaches, coastal waterways, private
King Tides and their effects
property and public infrastructure, and
Members can help DHEC by taking they need the public’s help.
pictures of King Tides on Kiawah
The term "King Tide" is a non-scientific
term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each
year. For example, in Charleston, the average high tide range is
about 5.5 feet, whereas during a King Tide event the high tide
range may reach 7 feet or higher. These tides occur naturally and
are typically caused when a spring tide (when the sun, moon,
and earth align during a new and full moon, increasing tide
ranges) takes place when the moon is closest to Earth during the
28-day elliptical orbit (know as perigee).
The effect of individual King Tides may vary considerably. In
some cases, they may barely even be noticed. In other cases, a King
Tide may cause coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas and
disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when
a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation, such as
the historic rain events in October 2015, because water drainage
and runoff is impeded. Over time, the frequency and effect of
King Tide events may increase due to gradual mean sea level rise.
Get Involved
DHEC needs the public’s help to capture photographs of King Tide
events. Simply take photos during an upcoming King Tide event
(see predicted 2016 schedule above) and submit them via DHEC’s
mobile app (MyCoast:SouthCarolina). DHEC will evaluate
submitted photographs and include them in its long-term analysis
of coastal vulnerability and planning initiatives with municipalities.
Complete Fishing
Survey and Help
KICA Better
Maintain Lakes
and Ponds
DHEC may also use photographs
in presentations, publications and
on its website.
Remaining 2016 King Tides
(Dates are Predicted)
• June 3-6
• July 2-4
• Sept. 15-21
• Oct. 15-20
• Nov. 13-18
• Dec. 12-16
Tips for Effective King Tides Photos:
• Take photos at/near peak high tide.
• Take pictures where the impact
of the tide can be gauged
against familiar landmarks like
buildings, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, jetties, bridges,
sea walls, shorelines, or bulkheads.
• Taking contrasting shots of peak high and peak low tides
helps to show the tidal variability.
• Be Safe! Use good judgment when you are taking your
photos. Stay away from dangerous situations, particularly
in stormy conditions, and avoid taking risks. Be aware of
potentially displaced wildlife.
The King Tides Initiative is an international, public
engagement program spreading to coastal areas throughout the
United States and abroad. The initiative began in Australia in
2009, to encourage the public to photo-document the highest
seasonal tides (dubbed "King Tides" at that time) they had
seen in almost 20 years. Recently, the east coast joined in the
efforts with Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, New
Hampshire, southern Maine and now South Carolina creating
living photo records. These photographs help DHEC visualize
the impact of rising sea level or storm surge along low-lying
areas, raise public awareness about coastal hazards, and support
scientific research and planning.
For more information on the South Carolina King Tides Program,
contact Dan Burger, Director of Coastal Services Division, at
[email protected].
The KICA Lakes department is asking for your help. Island
anglers are asked to complete a quick creel survey, located at
most popular fishing locations on the island. Simply complete
the survey card and drop it in the attached box. The survey can
also be completed online at kica.us/fishingsurvey.
Data provided will be used to monitor fishing in the ponds,
helping to gauge recreational value and make informed lake
management decisions. The information is an essential tool,
used to understand the variety of factors that affect pond
stock and to enable KICA to better manage these important
community recreational areas.