Recent research from NASA reveals a surprising connection between land movements and rising sea levels. It turns out that what happens on land can significantly affect coastal flooding.
Lead author Marin Govorcin, a remote sensing scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlighted that in some areas, like San Francisco, the land is sinking faster than the sea is rising. This could lead to serious risks for local communities.
Using satellite data, the research team studied land sinking, or subsidence, along California’s coast. Factors such as groundwater extraction, tectonic shifts, and various environmental conditions contribute to this sinking.
When land sinks and sea levels rise simultaneously, even slight differences can have a drastic impact on flooding risk.
Key Findings from the Study
- In spots around the San Francisco Bay, land is sinking at a rate exceeding 0.4 inches per year.
- Scientists predict that by 2050, California’s sea levels could rise by 6 to 14.5 inches. However, when factoring in land sinking, the projected sea level rise in vulnerable areas more than doubles.
- Other regions are experiencing land uplift, emphasizing the need to monitor these changes.
Unlike past studies that mainly relied on tidal gauge data—offering only a limited view—this research presents a more complete picture of how land and sea levels interact.
Why This Matters
This research highlights critical issues facing cities across the country. For instance, New York City is sinking under the weight of its skyscrapers, while Louisiana’s coast faces increased risks due to subsidence, putting New Orleans in a precarious position against rising seas.
Rising sea levels are driven by ocean warming and melting glaciers, both influenced by greenhouse gas emissions. These changes not only cause floods but can intensify storm surges and erosion, leading to greater hurricane damage. They can also worsen flooding during high tides, typically known as “sunny day flooding.”
Understanding these dynamics is essential for communities at risk. By connecting land movement data with sea level rise predictions, we can better prepare for the challenges ahead.
Check out this related article: Expert Insights: How Climate Change and El Niño are Fueling India’s Escalating Heatwave Crisis
Source link