Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 198
Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Perhaps more evident are increasing periods of prolonged
high temperatures during the summer, as well as highly
variable seasonal temperatures overall. For instance winter
temperatures in 2014/2015 were at times well below
averages, while winter temperatures during the 2015/2016
winter have been untypically mild. These conditions impact
precipitation levels, the viability of native and other flora and
the ecological communities they support.
Rising temperature impact
marine ecology in terms of
declines in traditional species
and increases invasive species
that favor warmer waters. This,
in turn, impacts local fish and
shellfish businesses.
Geologic Related Hazards
Earthquakes
There are no significant fault lines in Rhode Island or in New England and Rhode Island is identified by the USGS
Earthquake Hazards Program as being in a low seismic risk area. Although Rhode Island is not located near fault lines,
it may be located within zones of weakness, which are weakened boundary regions within the interiors of plates.
These zones can be responsive to stress from deeper within the crust or at the edges of the plate, causing an
earthquake. Earthquakes do not occur frequently in Rhode Island and those that do, often originate from other
states, such as the Virginia Earthquake in August of 2011, which was felt in the region. The most recent earthquake
to hit Rhode Island was a 2.3 magnitude earthquake with an estimated epicenter under Providence Harbor. Although
there is low seismic activity in the area, the risk hazard is moderate, meaning that earthquake events may create
moderate intensity shaking, which can lead to some damage.
Climate Change
Unlike many areas of the U.S., Newport and Aquidneck Island are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate
change. Throughout the last 80 years, Rhode Island has already experienced a rise in temperatures, precipitation, and
flooding. A key indicator of climate change in Rhode Island is the steady increase in temperatures since 1930. The
state is averaging a 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature every 33 years. In addition to the increase in
temperature, the average rainfall has also been increasing at a rate of more than one inch every ten years. The
increase in rainfall has become an issue as the increase in soil moisture decreases the amount of rainfall that can be
absorbed. This can hence lead to increase in flooding during wet seasons.
Being situated on an island, Newport’s principle concern
regarding climate change is sea level rise. The sea levels in
According to the Natural Open
Newport are projected to rise around 3 to 5 feet by the
Space Partnership prepared by
Sasaki and Associates,
year 2100. Similar to coastal erosion and flooding natural
waterfront parks most at risk for
hazards, this puts the low-lying areas of Newport at the
SLR include: Hunter Park, Storer
greatest risk. In a report conducted by Sasaki on Parks and
Park, Cardine Field, Easton’s
Recreation in Newport, it was found that a one inch rise in
Beach, King Park, Ft. Adams
sea level would affect 29 acres city-wide, 15 acres of park,
State Park, the Country Club, and
and 27 parks or open space. A three inch level in sea level
Rose Island.
would affect 154 acres city-wide, 68 acres of park, 32 park
or open space, 1 playground, and 2 sports fields. A five
inch sea level rise would affect 439 acres city-wide, 272 acres of park, 51 parks or open space, 2 playgrounds, and four
fields or courts. Map 14-4 shows the areas of Newport that are at risk due to sea level rise. The following
neighborhoods will be affected by just a one foot rise in sea level: Downtown, Harbor/Lower Thames, Long Wharf,
Goat Island, Rose Island, Ocean Drive, the Fifth Ward, Easton’s Beach, and the North End Commercial District.
Page 14-8
Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)