Scientific research indicates sea levels worldwide have been rising at a rate of 0.14 inches (3.5 millimeters) per year since the early 1990s. The trend, linked to global warming, puts thousands of coastal cities, like Cape Charles at risk of being submerged by the ocean.
Climate Central has produced a Surging Seas global Risk Zone Map which provides the ability to explore local sea level rise projections at over 1,000 tide gauges on 6 continents. Map areas below the selected water level are displayed as satellite imagery shaded in blue indicating vulnerability to flooding from combined sea level rise, storm surge, and tides, or to permanent submergence by long-term sea level rise. Map areas above the selected water level are shown in map style using white and pale grays.
This analysis used the best available U.S. national coverage elevation dataset at the time. Risk Zone Map now uses far more accurate laser-based (lidar) elevation data in the U.S.
Outside of the U.S., very little lidar data is available. Instead, we use radar satellite-based data collected from NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). This elevation data covers nearly the entire populated world, but is less accurate than lidar. SRTM’s pixel resolution is lower, and in areas of dense urban development and vegetation, SRTM tends to overestimate elevation. Recent work also suggests that SRTM usually underpredicts exposure from sea level rise and coastal flooding. Outside the U.S., our flood maps should therefore be seen as likely lower bounds on the extent of potential inundation for each water level. View the map below:
This map shows no water where there currently is water, at all stages of the tide (look at the upper reaches of Kings Creek near route 13). If they can’t accurately show the current situation, I don’t put much faith in mapping of future predictions.
So how soon will we be underwater?
According to predictions, Cape Charles is threatened starting in 2020 and off the map by 2050. We have enough time to live it up until then. The predictions are at the same website – click here: http://www.climatecentral.org/news/sea-level-rise-locking-in-quickly-cities-threatened-16296 and then click on Virginia and the respective decades.
Note: Thank you for providing this analysis.
I recently was told I needed flood insurance for my house. Accomack Cty. says no need, and insurance co says no need. NOOA has charts using straight lines for vaious flood zone boundries. They don’t know, but hold control over us.
‘Liberal-Loons’…