In a paper published Aug. 22 in the journal Nature Communications, Ning Lin's research group combined storm surge, sea level rise, and the predicted increased occurrence and strength in tropical storms and hurricanes to create a map of flood hazard possibility along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Coastlines at northern latitudes, like those in New England, will face higher flood levels primarily because of sea level rise. Those in more southern latitudes, especially along the Gulf of Mexico, will face higher flood levels because of both sea level rise and increasing storms into the late 21st century. The researchers hope that creating more accurate maps – especially those that are customized according to local conditions down to the county level – will help coastal municipalities prepare to face the effects of climate change head on.
Increasing Flood Risk along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
Aug. 23, 2019