This study evaluates the increasing risk of compound coastal flooding in San Francisco Bay due to climate change, particularly through the lens of sea-level rise and heightened river discharge. Projections indicate that flooding, currently infrequent, may occur annually within several decades, with tidal impacts diminishing in favor of rising sea levels and extended river discharge effects.
This investigation delves into the ramifications of climate change, particularly focusing on sea-level rise and increased river discharge, in relation to the occurrence and severity of flooding events within the San Francisco Bay, USA. Current trends indicate that the risk of compound coastal flooding is escalating due to climate change, yet this phenomenon remains largely overlooked in academic discussions. The findings indicate that, under minimal sea-level rise scenarios (approximately 0.5 meters), flooding events that are currently rare could transition to annual occurrences if sea levels were to rise significantly (between 1.0 to 1.5 meters). Findings also suggest that tidal influences, which predominantly govern extreme water levels today, will increasingly yield to the effects of rising sea levels across numerous locations throughout the Bay. Additionally, it is anticipated that the impact of river discharge on water level influences in the North Bay could expand approximately 15 kilometers seaward under severe climate change scenarios.
San Francisco Bay faces escalating risks associated with compound coastal flooding, a consequence of climate change that has remained relatively underexplored in scholarly research. Climate change is predicted to bring about significant fluctuations in both sea levels and river discharge, both of which are critical factors influencing flooding patterns. Comprehensive understanding of these changes is essential for developing projections related to flooding frequency and magnitude, which have critical implications for community planning and environmental management.
In summary, the study highlights the increasing threat of compound coastal flooding in the San Francisco Bay as a result of climate change. With rising sea levels, events currently occurring every few hundred years may become common occurrences. The urgency to address these risks is clear, necessitating further research and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal regions.
Original Source: www.preventionweb.net
