Sea Level Rise & Climate Science

High Stakes of Sea Level Rise and Planning for the Future
The goal of the Sea Level Rise and Climate Science Program area is to understand the causes and impacts of sea level and climate changes and to apply this advanced knowledge to practical use for coastal planning.
The research program incorporates basic science questions and observations surrounding sea level rise and connections between climate-sensitive coastal ocean, glacial, and atmospheric components of the climate system. Faculty conduct research on areas ranging from coastal ocean and geophysical dynamics (e.g., subsidence), meteorological events such as coastal storms, tidal flooding and storm surges, rainfall climatology, and development of systems to understand and ultimately predict coastal hazards.
The program’s scientists conduct applied research on climate impact assessments and decisions that inform coastal communities, environmental quality, and the management of coastal resources. The program coordinates close scientific relationships with NOAA, the USGS, Army Corps of Engineers and state, regional, and international research groups.
Challenges
Among the long-term goals of the program, three fundamental challenges are a focus