Sea Level Rise Projection for 2100: Florida

Abstract

Since 1900, global sea levels have risen between roughly 13 and 20 centimeters, and most research suggests that sea levels will continue to rise, but for how long and at rate is unknown. As a result, many sea level rise projections have been constructed both on local and global scales in order to provide insight into what might occur in the coming decades and centuries. This particular projection takes a more elementary approach without the involvement of a computer-based model and considers the historical contribution of primary sea level rise factors on the state of Florida in the year 2100, and provides three unique scenarios: “Best-Case” (1 m), “Median-Case” (3 m), and “Worst-Case” (5 m). In each of the three cases, the entirety of the Florida coastline will likely flood and face further consequences from tropical storm surges. The effects of the “Median-Case” and “Worst-Case” scenarios will obviously cause more damage as water penetrates further inland, especially in the southern third of the state and the portion of the Intracoastal Waterway located in Florida.