Maps of Lands Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise
New Jersey Coast Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 199 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 199 KB) |
Delaware Bay Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 141 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 141 KB) |
| (Click on maps to see a larger image.) | |
Chesapeake Bay Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 277.6 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 278.1 KB) |
Maryland Coast Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 274 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 274 KB) |
| (Click on maps to see a larger image.) | |
Note: Elevations are based on computer models, not actual surveys. Coastal protection efforts may prevent some low-lying areas from being flooded as sea level rises. The 1.5-meter contour depicted is currently about 1.3-meters above mean sea level. Therefore, some of the areas depicted in red will be above mean sea level for at least 100, and probably 200, years. However, because mean spring high water (i.e., high tide during new and full moons) is typically 60 cm above sea level, the 1.3-meter contour would be flooded a few times per month by a 70 cm rise in sea level.
Over the next century, sea level is most likely to rise 55-60 cm along most of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The 3.5-meter contour roughly illustrates an area that might be flooded over a period of several centuries.