Sea level on West Coast rising at higher rate than expected

Published: Friday, June 22, 2012, 12:01 PM     Updated: Friday, June 22, 2012, 12:11 PM

By Chase G. Hall, The Oregonian

Expect more flooding and coastal erosion as global sea levels rise more than previously predicted over the next century, a new study says. Some parts of the West Coast need to brace for up to 4 1/2 feet rises by 2100.

Estimates from the National Research Council found the higher water will primarily come from oceans warmed by an ever-hotter climate. But, these numbers are higher than past studies because the study ruled glacial melt caused by higher global temperatures will contribute significantly more than previously calculated.

The report projected that relative to 2000, seas will rise 3 to 9 inches by 2030, between 6 and 18 inches by 2050 and up to 4 1/2 feet by 2100. As time goes by, uncertainties about exponential warming or natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis cause greater ranges of possible change, according to the study.

In 2008, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked state agencies and the National Research Council to assess coastal impacts of sea-level rise. Oregon, Washington and several other federal agencies joined California to sponsor the research.

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