Rising Sea Levels
Just as the surface of the Earth is not flat, the surface of the oceans is also not flat, and this sea surface is not changing at the same rate globally. The Global Sea Level is the average height of all the Earth's oceans, whereas Local Sea Level refers to the height of the water as measured along the coast relative to a specific point on land. Environmental pollution caused by human activity (such as fracking and dredging), Seasonal weather patterns, variations in the Earth's declination, changes in coastal and ocean circulation, vertical land motion, and the El Niño Southern Oscillation are just a few of the many factors influencing changes in sea level over time.
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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report estimates that the global sea level rise was approximately 1.7-1.8 millimeters per year (mm/yr) over the past century (IPCC, 2007), based on tide station measurements around the world, with projected increased trends in sea level in the 20th Century based on global climate models.
Climate Change and Sea Levels
Changes in sea level are directly linked to a number of atmospheric and oceanic processes. Changes in global temperatures, hydrologic cycles, coverage of glaciers and ice sheets, and storm frequency and intensity are examples of known effects of a changing climate, all of which are directly related to, and captured in, long-term sea level records.
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With the majority of Americans living in coastal states, rising water levels can have potentially large impacts. Rising sea level inundates low-lying wetlands and dry land, erodes shorelines, contributes to coastal flooding, and increases the flow of salt water into estuaries and nearby groundwater aquifers. Global tidal records from 1900 to 1990 show an estimated four to five inch rise in global mean sea level. Then, in the 25 years from 1990 to 2015, this global tide gauge network showed global sea level rising three inches, agreeing with measures by satellite altimeters taken since 1992. Currently, sea level is rising about one-eighth of an inch per year but is projected to rise in the future. By 2100, sea levels may rise another one to eight feet.
Miami is one of the world's highest-risk regions for rising sea level related disaster.
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King Tides
Tides dominate the daily change of water level along most of the coast. The king tide is the highest predicted high tide of the year at a coastal location. It is above the highest water level reached at high tide on an average day. King tides are also known as perigean spring tides. Highlighting king tides can raise awareness of potential sea level rise impacts and identify flood-prone locations. Seasonal king tides have been causing flooding in our urban Miami community.
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Map of Southern Florida using Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper
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Coastal Flood Hazard Composite
Climate change disproportionately impacts those who are already more vulnerable.
Working with experts around the world, the Sea Level Solutions Center at the Florida International University Institute of Environment develops useful and continuing sea level and other climate change-related responses while collaborating with people on the ground to meet real-time needs and provide support. The center connects directly with the communities with the greatest needs and presents science-backed solutions that last.
​Since 2016, the SLSC has been mobilizing "citizen scientists" to gather data on seasonal King Tides during their annual Sea Level Solutions Day. The tides cause flooding in our urban Miami community, increasing sea level rise concerns for local neighborhoods. This project informs adaptation solutions in response to the threat of King Tide flooding.