Rapid Sea-Level Rise Threatens Southern U.S. Coastlines

Sea levels along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts have rapidly accelerated over the past 12 years, reaching record-breaking rates of about half an inch per year since 2010, according to a new study led by scientists at Tulane University. The acceleration is attributed to the compounding effects of man-made climate change and natural climate variability, affecting the entire Subtropical Gyre area. Although rates will likely return to more moderate values in the coming decades, the study highlights the urgency of addressing climate change to protect vulnerable coastlines.