Sea Level Rise Myths Debunked: Understanding Floods and Coastal Erosion

When it comes to the perception of coastal flooding and rising sea levels, myths often overshadow the facts. In this article, we will dispel these misconceptions by examining the truth behind why certain cities face flooding and sea level changes.

Why Some Cities Battle Floods, Not Sea Levels

Many people assume that most cities around the world are battling rising sea levels. However, the truth is that while some cities face flooding issues, they are not due to rising sea levels. Rather, these issues are primarily due to human engineering, urban planning, and natural factors such as river flooding. Only a few cities, such as those experiencing ground subsidence, truly face the problem of rising sea levels. Over the past 100 years, sea levels have risen by only about 7 inches.

Sea Levels Are Not Rising!

Claiming that sea levels are rising is a widespread but misguided belief. Celebrity environmental activists, such as Al Gore, have been among the main promoters of this myth. Tales of entire nations being swallowed by rising seas are outdated and unfounded. For instance, the global scare of rising sea levels swallowing Pacific islands in the 1980s was based on false rumors.

Let's consider a few facts:

In the 1990s, Al Gore wrote a book titled An Inconvenient Truth, highlighting rising sea levels. However, he opted to purchase oceanfront property in California, which is exactly where the concept of rising sea levels no longer makes sense. During the 1980s, fear of rising sea levels was rampant, with predictions of nations like Tuvalu becoming submerged. However, these islands have actually become larger due to sediment deposition from rivers. Maps show no significant difference between historical records and current Google Maps images of places like Nantucket Island, indicating no substantial sea level rise. A hydrographic report on the sea levels in Sydney Harbour, taken at Fort Denison over 120 years, shows no meaningful change. This is considered the "measure" for Western Pacific sea levels.

Alignment of Rising Sea Levels with a Lunar Cycle

Some researchers propose that the alignment of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, along with lunar cycles, can influence coastal flooding. These studies suggest that when the gravitational pull of these celestial bodies aligns in specific ways, coastal cities can face higher incidences of flooding. This is often exacerbated by rain intensity patterns and inadequate drainage systems. It's important to recognize that high-tide floods are relatively minor compared to hurricane storm surges.

Several cities on widely separated coastlines have begun experiencing higher rates of high-tide flooding. This phenomenon can lead to increased flood numbers over a decade. However, the primary cause of these floods is not sea level rise, but rather a complex interplay of natural and human-altered factors.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between myth and reality is crucial when discussing sea level rise and coastal flooding. While some cities do face flooding issues, these are often due to local conditions, and sea level rise is not the primary cause. Sea levels have risen only about 7 inches in the last 100 years, a minuscule change compared to previous centuries. By debunking these myths, we can focus on the true causes of coastal flooding and work towards solutions that address these specific issues.