At the rate the sea levels are rising, it is possible that some cities, especially those low-lying coastal regions and flood-prone areas, would be totally submerged by the year 2100.
Floods are powerful enough to destroy buildings and infrastructure. Some devastating floods have even claimed lives.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a conservative estimate results to a possible 6-foot-deep flood by 2100. If the greenhouse gas emissions were to remain undiminished, sea levels could rise to about 10 to 12 feet.
NOAA pointed out that the results being presented are averages values. This means that some areas would most probably be experiencing a higher level of flooding. In effect, some other areas would be less affected. However, the worst-case scenario would be for some cities to be completely swallowed by the flood.
Knowing the results of the study opens the possibility for infrastructure solutions for the predicted sea level rise. It also gives a prediction of which cities in the United States are facing the projected problem. The following is a list of the areas that are in danger of being taken over by 2100s projected sea levels.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage to the already sinking city and the area has not fully recovered yet. Being on a river delta puts New Orleans in a vulnerable spot. Some parts of the City are feet below sea level in elevation. Moreover, human activity has destroyed the city's buffer from storm surges. According to NASA, New Orleans is facing a sinking rate of two inches per year.
MIAMI, FLORIDA
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, 12.000 homes in Miami Beach are looking to spend the next 30 years in chronic flooding situations. Miami tops the list of the most possibly damaged properties amounting to $6.4 billion. However, if the conservative estimates would pull through, the city could still be saved by raising its structures.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Houston is also sinking at the rate of two inches per year because of groundwater pumping. Reports state that 135,000 homes were damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Houston is not a coastal city. However, there has been an increase in storms and hurricanes in the sinking city that might cause it to be left underwater in the future.
ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY
About 70% to 80% of the city was underwater in the height of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Some places suffered through eight-foot high flood water. With Atlantic City down, there is a possibility that it could take New York as well.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Another coastal city, Charleston might be at risk to be a ghost town by 2050 with 77% of its area under 12 feet of water. This amounts to 64,000 residents who are at risk to be caught in the dangerous flood.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Reports show that there could be a possibility that one in six Boston homes would experience flood regularly. NOAA's conservative estimate puts Boston in a six-foot-flood by 2100.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
The Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are projected to gobble up Virginia Beach as the sea level keeps rising. In NOAA's estimate, Virginia Beach could be under 12 feet of water by 2100.
