Across the globe cultural heritage sites are being affected by climate change in numerous ways. Heritage sites in cold climates that have experienced changes in the freeze/thaw cycle are experiencing problems with mortar degradation and joint expansion between bricks and stone. Cultural landscapes in the western United States, as well as many other arid parts of the planet, are at increased risk of wildfire. Coastal sites are at risk from increased storm surge and coastal erosion, as well as inundation from future sea level rise.
In the United States, Florida is one of the states most vulnerable to climate change. Florida is second only to Alaska in length of coastline and has numerous cultural heritage sites and historically significant cities along the coast. Along Florida’s Atlantic coast there are sixteen inlets protected by jetties. These jetties, intended in part to keep sand from flowing into the inlets and blocking the navigation channels, also interrupt the natural littoral flow of sand. Littoral flow is the natural movement of sand along the coast due to wave and wind action. On Florida’s east coast sand naturally flows from north to south. As southerly moving sand encounters a jetty, sand builds up on the northern side of the inlet while being stripped from the southern side. This creates a situation where the Atlantic coast is being affected by erosion that can threaten beaches and coastal structures unless constantly managed.
As the global average temperature increases and sea level continues to rise, coastal erosion will get worse, and this will be exacerbated by higher tides and increase storm surge during offshore storm events. Coastal cultural heritage sites will have to understand the risks and vulnerabilities of their site to prevent destruction and ensure the sites are resilient into the future. This will require an understanding of not only the particular vulnerabilities of their site, but also the coastal dynamics of the area in order to understand what kinds of adaptation solutions may be appropriate for the site.
The chosen sites for this project, Fort Clinch and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, were chosen because of their similarities and their differences. Each of these sites have a long history on Florida’s Atlantic coast and played roles, small and large, in United States military conflicts. Specifically, both sites have a connection to the Civil War and the World Wars. Particularly in the case of the Civil War, Florida can sometimes seem disconnected from the rest of the war, but each of these sites serve to connect the visitor to Florida’s role in the war.
In terms of climate change, each site is similar in its location and in its potential exposure to climate change factors. Both of these sites have culturally significant examples of built environment that are vulnerable to erosion, storm surge damage, and inundation related to sea level rise. Importantly, these sites also differ in significant ways. Particularly in terms of topography, they are different. Fort Clinch is located on Amelia Island on Florida’s east coast and represents a large island site. Evidence of rising seas and past adaptation efforts are evident at the site, particularly on the northern side of Fort Clinch.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is located adjacent to Jupiter Inlet, where the Indian River and the Loxahatchee River come together to meet the sea. The Jupiter light is a mainland coastal site, located on the western shore of Florida’s intercoastal waterway. Because of the differences in topography, these sites differ in terms of exposure and climate adaptability. Fort Clinch is currently located extremely close to the water, and because of several factors, both natural and anthropogenic, the northern part of Amelia Island has a perpetual erosion problem. Currently the area is being maintained through beach replenishment and shoreline armoring in the form of rock groins. In the event of only moderate sea level rise these solutions may continue to work, but in the event of sea level rise in the intermediate-high or high range, these types of adaptation solutions may no longer be sustainable. In that event alternative options to physical adaptation may have to be explored to keep the site resilient in the future.
This project was created in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of the Master of Arts in History.
Florida's Vanishing Heritage 