Effects of Sea Level Rise and Other Climate Change Impacts on Southeast Florida's Water Resources
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Material Information

Title:
Effects of Sea Level Rise and Other Climate Change Impacts on Southeast Florida's Water Resources
Series Title:
Florida Water Resources Journal
Creator:
Heimlich, Barry
Bloetscher, Frederick
Publisher:
Buena Vista Publishing
Publication Date:
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Climate Change ( lcsh )
Sea Level Rise ( lcsh )
Florida ( lcsh )
Water resources ( lcsh )

Notes

Abstract:
Southeast Florida, with a population of 5.5 million (U.S. Census, 2008) is among the ten coastal metropolitan areas in the world most vulnerable to climate change (Nicholls & OECD, 2008). The region is especially susceptible to sea level rise and expected changes in local weather patterns. Recent reports (Karl, etal, USCCSP, & NOAA, 2009; IARU, 2009, Vermeer & Rahmstorf, 2009) indicate that global average sea level may rise by approximately 2 to 5 feet or more by 2100, with similar expectations for Southeast Florida, an amount that will have significant effects on its coastal areas. Southeast Florida’s vulnerability derives from its geographic location, low elevation, porous geology, unusual groundwater and surface water hydrology, subtropical weather patterns, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Its highly engineered water infrastructure and flood control systems play an essential role in assuring the region’s habitability. Future sea level rise and other climate change impacts are likely to influence Southeast Florida’s water resources. ( English )

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
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