U.S. southern coast faces unprecedented sea level rise over the past decade
Sea levels along the southern coast of the United States have risen at an alarming rate over the past decade, according to multiple new studies. These findings have raised concerns about the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities such as New Orleans, Miami and Houston to the effects of climate change.
Abnormal and dramatic sea level rise along the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern coasts
Scientists have documented an abnormal and dramatic rise in sea level along the Gulf of Mexico and southeast coasts since about 2010. This acceleration, though relatively short-lived so far, could have far-reaching consequences for an area of the United States that has experienced massive development. Wetlands, mangroves and coastlines that once protected the region are shrinking, leaving a vulnerable landscape that is home to millions of people.
Hurricanes worsening due to faster ocean rise
Recent sea level rise has already had significant effects. A study revealed that recent hurricanes, including Michael in 2018 and Ian last year, were significantly worsened by faster ocean rise. Data from federal tide gauges at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that sea level, as measured by the Lake Pontchartrain tide gauge in New Orleans, is eight inches higher than it was in 2006, just after Hurricane Katrina.
A sea level rise of more than 10 millimeters per year
Jianjun Yin, a climatologist at the University of Arizona, is the author of one of two academic studies published in recent weeks describing these changes. Yin’s study, published in the Journal of Climate, estimates the rate of sea level rise since 2010 at more than 10 millimeters per year in the region, or nearly 5 inches in total through 2022. That’s more than double the global average rate of about 4.5 millimeters a year since 2010, based on satellite observations of sea level by experts at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Destructive consequences
Although annual totals may seem insignificant, even small changes in sea level over time can have destructive consequences. Yin’s study suggests that Hurricanes Michael and Ian, two of the strongest storms ever to hit the United States, were significantly worsened in part by additional sea level rise.
Unprecedented increase in at least 120 years
A second study, led by Sönke Dangendorf of Tulane University and published in Nature Communications, finds the same trend since 2010 across the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States, calling the increase «unprecedented in at least 120 years.»
Significant impact for millions of people
These findings have important implications for the millions of people living in coastal communities in the southern United States. As sea levels continue to rise at an accelerating rate, these communities are at increased risk of severe storms and flooding. The need for urgent action to address the effects of climate change has never been more evident.
