The research highlights the cumulative effects of climate-driven coastal hazards, including rising sea levels, flooding, beach erosion, sinking land, and rising groundwater, all expected to worsen by the end of the century.

Study co-author Manoochehr Shirzaei warns that the scale of these interconnected hazards is greater than previously anticipated, increasing risks of flooding and infrastructure damage, particularly for vulnerable communities.

In California, researchers have utilized InSAR radar technology to map significant land subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley, revealing that excessive groundwater extraction is causing the region to sink nearly one inch annually.

A recent study by the US Geological Survey estimates that a 1-meter rise in sea level by 2100 could affect over 14 million people and result in $1 trillion in property damage along the Southeast Atlantic coast, from Norfolk to Miami.

Lower-income communities will disproportionately bear the brunt of these hazards, with up to half of the population in flood-prone areas facing risks from both groundwater and storm-driven flooding.

Sea levels have risen by 6 to 8 inches since 1920 and are projected to increase by an additional 3.2 feet by 2100, significantly impacting coastal cities differently across the East and West Coasts.

Land subsidence is a growing concern, as many areas along the Southeast Atlantic coast are sinking, which exacerbates the impacts of rising sea levels.

The study advocates for a holistic approach to coastal resilience, integrating various climate hazards into planning and building strategies for vulnerable regions.

Cities at high risk of sinking include Miami, Savannah, and Charleston, with approximately 1.3 million people living in areas where subsidence exceeds two millimeters per year.

A rise of 3.2 feet in sea levels could lead to the loss of 80% of sandy beaches along the Southeast Atlantic, fundamentally altering coastal ecosystems and tourism.

Experts recommend implementing flood-managed aquifer recharge strategies to redirect excess rain and snowmelt to replenish groundwater supplies in sinking areas.

Led by Patrick Barnard of the U.S. Geological Survey, the research utilized advanced geospatial data and modeling tools to project potential impacts and support informed decision-making regarding coastal hazards.