39 Functions of River Corridors, Floodplains and Wetlands

We encourage research focused on measurement or modeling of the multiple ecosystem services of river corridors, floodplains and wetlands, including retention of sediment and nutrients, storage of flood waters, and support of diverse riparian communities.

Tuesday, 24 March 2026
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
CCC, Room 27

Green-Gray Infrastructure in Urban Coastal Areas: The Case of a Staten Island Bluebelt Project.

Paper number: 39-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:45 AM – 9:05 AM

Authors

Abstract

Urban coastal areas are vulnerable to dangerous and costly impacts from tidal, pluvial, and compound fooding events. We present the description and ongoing study of a green-gray project on the southern coast of Staten Island in New York City as an important response to such events that have modified and improved the quality of life of the residents. In the spectrum of green-gray infrastructure projects, Staten Island’s Bluebelt is a natural stormwater management system using green infrastructure, such as creeks, ponds, and wetlands, to control flooding, improve water quality, and create green spaces. It integrates coastal green infrastructure with minimum grey infrastructure, such as engineered drainage system in flood-prone areas to bring natural beauty and flood resilience to the communities in the areas. The goal of our study is to understand the effectiveness of the Bluebelt to make the local communities more resilient in case of flooding. We used the FloodNet NYC sensor data collected from the study areas in New Creek and South Beach on Staten Island. Our study shows the Bluebelt does reduce the flood frequency and the duration of the flood compared to the flood pattern at the location without the Bluebelt. While the Bluebelt improvements do not eliminate floods; they make the surrounding communities more resilient to floods.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411326

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