October 2, 2025- Cascadia CoPes Hub Virtual Seminar Series

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Monitoring and modeling driftwood transport in coastal systems to guide design of nature-based solutions

Speaker: Enda Murphy (University of British Columbia)

Abstract:

Driftwood is a defining feature of coastal zones in the Cascadia bioregion, originating from both natural forests and forestry activities. Growing recognition of the ecological and protective functions of wood in river systems has spurred interest in using logs in nature-based shore protection and fish habitat restoration. At the same time, large volumes of wood mobilized by storms can threaten infrastructure, valued assets, and sensitive ecosystems. A stronger understanding of driftwood fluxes, pathways, and shoreline interactions is needed to guide its use in coastal nature-based solutions.

In this presentation, we describe recent efforts to develop predictive models of driftwood transport and fate in coastal environments, supported by laboratory experiments and field studies. We identify key knowledge gaps, summarize findings to date, and explore monitoring techniques for tracking wood in the field. Finally, we illustrate how predictive models can inform management of woody debris and support the design of resilient, nature-based coastal solutions.

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