Alarming Acceleration of Sea Level Rise in Southern U.S. Coastlines

Scientists have observed a significant surge in sea levels along the US Gulf and southeastern coastlines since 2010, raising concerns about the vulnerability of coastal communities to rising seas. The acceleration could have far-reaching consequences, potentially putting a large swath of America at greater risk from severe storms and flooding. The increase has already had major effects, with recent devastating hurricanes made considerably worse by a faster-rising ocean. The rapid sea level rise appears to start in the Gulf of Mexico, which has been warming far faster than the global ocean.