Increased flooding, accelerated sea-level rise in Miami since 2006, Florida
A new study found that Miami Beach flood events have significantly increased over the last decade due to an acceleration of sea-level rise in South Florida.
The study, made by researchers from the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, analyzed tide and rain-gauge records, media reports, insurance claims, and photos of flooding events on Miami Beach and in Miami since 2006.
The results showed that the flooding frequency in Miami Beach has significantly increased after 2006 mainly due to increasing number of high-tide flooding events. The increased flooding frequency coincides with acceleration in the rate of sea-level rise in South Florida. The average rate of sea-level rise increased by 6 millimeters per year over the last decade – from 3 millimeters per year before 2006 to 9 millimeters per year after 2006.
The study also provides new evidence that connects the weakening of the Gulf Stream with sea-level rise along the US Atlantic coast.
Annual flooding occurrence in Miami Beach between 1998-2013 indicating a significant increase in tide flooding events (green) since 2006. Credit: Shimon Wdowinski, Ph.D.
Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas to sea-level rise in the US due to its low elevation, large population concentrations, and economic importance. Accelerated rates of sea-level rise have caused a significant increase in flooding frequency in several coastal communities in Florida.
Researchers suggest that regional sea-level projections should be used in place of global projections to better prepare for future flood hazards in the region.
Source: UM/RSMAS
Reference:
- "Increasing flooding hazard in coastal communities due to rising sea level: Case study of Miami Beach, Florida" – Shimon Wdowinskia, Ronald Braya, Ben P. Kirtmana, Zhaohua Wub – June 2016 issue, Vol. 126 – Ocean and Coastal Management – doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2016.03.002
Featured image: Shimon Wdowinski, Ph.D.
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.