Maps of Lands Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise
New England Coast Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 389 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 390 KB) |
New Hampshire - New York Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 269 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 270 KB) |
| (Click on maps to see a larger image.) | |
Massachusetts Coast Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 281 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 281 KB) |
Long Island, New York Download B&W Map (PDF, 2 pp, 225 KB) Download Color Map (PDF, 2 pp, 226 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 years and probably 200 years. Nevertheless, 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.
Please note: The available elevation information for New England is poor (this caveat does not apply to the State of New York). Therefore, the maps illustrating the New England states are less accurate than the other maps.