How has global sea level rise affected sinking along the East Coast of the United States?
As Sea Levels Rise, the East Coast Is Also Sinking
The Problem:
The East Coast of the United States is facing a dual problem: rising sea levels and sinking land. The combination of these two factors puts cities like New York, Miami and Washington, D.C. in great danger of flooding.
The Science Behind It:
Global warming is a major contributor to the rising sea levels. As the temperatures increase, ice caps and glaciers melt, putting more water into the oceans. At the same time, the East Coast is sinking. The land on the coast is slowly settling due to natural subsidence and human factors like groundwater extraction and building practices like pumping sand to build beaches and barrier islands.
The Consequences:
The consequences of these issues are already being felt. Coastal flooding is becoming more frequent, especially during hurricanes and extreme weather events. The flooding of low-lying areas like Miami Beach, which is only a few feet above sea level, is becoming more common.
In addition to flooding, sea level rise and sinking coastlines are affecting infrastructure like wastewater treatment plants, airports, and highways. This puts people at risk and can have serious economic implications.
The Solutions:
There are several solutions that can help mitigate the problem. Managed retreat is one such solution, which involves moving away from areas particularly prone to flooding.
Another solution is elevating buildings and infrastructure, as we have seen in Miami Beach where many buildings are being raised to reduce the risk of flooding. This practice can be applied to other coastal areas as well.
Planting more vegetation and creating barrier islands can help absorb and reduce the impact of waves and flooding, while also reducing the risk of erosion.
The Bottom Line:
Addressing the issue of rising sea levels and sinking coastlines requires cooperation and proactive action. By taking action now, we can reduce the risk to communities and infrastructure along the East Coast before it’s too late.
Remember: every action we take has the potential to create a ripple effect that can make a difference in preventing the devastation caused by climate change. Let’s take action together!