Scientists at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science have researched the connection of rising sea levels and the increased flood risk to cities in the United States located on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These are heavily populated cities where 40 percent of the US population resides. Using data as far back as the 1950’s helped determined that the risk for what scientists classify as “compound flooding” was higher in these cities. The report established that rising sea levels “are the main driver for increasing flood risk to American cities.” Researchers also substantiated that storm surges are caused by weather patterns with high precipitation which exacerbates ‘compound flooding’ potential.
The research paper can be accessed on Nature Climate Change. A press release about the paper is here.
