With the global sea level rising, it is imperative to quantify how the dynamics of tidal estuaries and embayments will respond to increased depth and newly inundated perimeter regions. With increased depth comes a decrease in frictional effects in the basin interior and altered tidal amplification. Inundation due to higher sea level also causes an increase in planform area, tidal prism, and frictional effects in the newly inundated areas.

This report explores the potential for integrating ecological functions into flood risk management on lower Novato Creek. It presents an initial vision of how ecological elements could contribute to flood protection, based on a broad scale analysis and a one day workshop of local and regional experts. The Vision is not intended to be implemented as is, but rather adapted and applied through future projects and analysis. Other actions (e.g., floodwater detention basins) may also need to be implemented in the interim to meet flood risk objectives.