The kinds of geologic hazards that are likely to be experienced in New Hampshire include floods (both riverine and coastal), landslides and earthquakes. The New Hampshire Geological Survey has recently begun focusing its scientific and mapping expertise to address some of the risks associated with these kinds of extreme natural events. Flooding is readily acknowledged to pose the greatest risk to the people and infrastructure of the state. Consequently, the state of New Hampshire has embarked upon an initiative to identify areas adjacent to rivers that are particularly susceptible to erosion and associated bank failures that can occur during high flow events. The sensitivity to these risks in New Hampshire was brought home during the major statewide flood events of 2005, 2006 and 2007. The new initiative to address these risks is referred to as fluvial erosion hazards. More information about the fluvial erosion hazard program in New Hampshire can be found in the DES fact sheet listed below.
The fluvial erosion hazard program is the first step in a longer-term initiative to develop a geologic hazards assessment program within NHGS to maximize public safety by identifying locations most susceptible to such hazards. In addition to our present efforts focused upon riverine systems, future program development efforts will focus on assessment of risks associated with coastal erosion, landslides, and earthquakes.