Noah Paoa is a PhD candidate in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research focuses on sea level rise-induced flooding and its specific impacts on coastal cultural assets and archaeological sites throughout Polynesia. Using digital elevation mapping and wave-driven flood models, Paoa’s work projects future threats to irreplaceable heritage sites. In this episode of weekend one on one, he explains his research on Rapa Nui - also known as Easter Island - shows that iconic monuments, including the famous moai statues of Ahu Tongariki, are at significant risk from coastal erosion and could be reached by destructive waves as early as 2080
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
Share
