Greenhouse effect, sea level rise, and coastal zone management
Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases are expected to warm the earth several degrees in the next century by a mechanism known as the greenhouse effect. Such a warming could cause sea level to rise two to five feet by expanding ocean water, melting mountain glaciers, and perhaps eventually causing polar glaciers to melt and slide into the oceans. A rise in sea level of even three feet could cause substantial erosion of beaches and coastal wetlands, increased flooding, and intrusion of salt water into rivers, bays, and aquifer. Fortunately, many of the adverse consequences can be avoided by taking timely measures in anticipation of sea level rise. Nevertheless, many coastal zone managers are reluctant to take these measures until the prospect of sea level rise becomes more certain. This article examines the implications of future sea level rise and identifies anticipatory measures that may be appropriate today in spite of current uncertainties. 46 references, 4 figures, 1 table.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 6680342
- Journal Information:
- Coastal Zone Manage. J.; (United States), Vol. 14:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Adapting to sea-level rise in the US Southeast: The influence of built infrastructure and biophysical factors on the inundation of coastal areas
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
COASTAL REGIONS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
COASTAL WATERS
SEA LEVEL
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EROSION
FLOOD CONTROL
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
LAND USE
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SEAWATER
SOILS
WETLANDS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CONTROL
ECOSYSTEMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LEVELS
MANAGEMENT
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety