Researchers from the University of Central Florida have developed a new model that can help decision-makers plan for sea level rise.  

While the model doesn’t predict when or where sea level rise will occur, it can look at historical data to see which natural events, like hurricane-induced storm surge, have caused higher-than-normal sea levels in the past.   

“And that is something that can help guide some of our flat-risk assessments and maybe also some of the adaptation planning that has to be going on at some point to mitigate the impacts from sea level rise,” Tom Wahl, the study author, told WMFE Orlando.

Why it matters.  

According to sealevelrise.org, Florida has roughly 120,000 properties at risk from sea level rise-induced flooding and the state is planning to spend $4 billion on mitigation efforts.  

And, sea level rise is speeding up. The sea level around Virginia Key in Miami has risen 8 inches since 1950. Today, that level is rising by 1 inch every 3 years.  Science-based models are important for government officials to plan solutions for the future. 

Where can I learn more?