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Modeling Spatial Variations of Sea Level Rise and Corresponding Inundation Impacts: A Case Study for Florida, USA

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Abstract

As the human society is facing potentially significant environmental impacts due to climate change, accurate impact assessments of sea level rise (SLR) are also critically needed. In this study, to conduct reliable SLR projection and inundation assessment, an integrated modeling framework is proposed and the application of this methodology is demonstrated for the State of Florida, USA. This framework utilizes a dynamic system model (DSM) with spatial analysis capability to predict the regional sea level change. The DSM projections are then used for geographic information system (GIS) based inundation analysis. Results show that the proposed methodology provides reliable inundation assessment for the likely scenario of spatially variable SLR over the 21st century and can be utilized in other coastal regions of the world to aid management decision in a timely manner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Multimedia Environmental Simulations Laboratory, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Biao Chang, Jiabao Guan & Mustafa M. Aral

Authors
  1. Biao Chang
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  2. Jiabao Guan
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  3. Mustafa M. Aral
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Correspondence to Biao Chang.

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Chang, B., Guan, J. & Aral, M.M. Modeling Spatial Variations of Sea Level Rise and Corresponding Inundation Impacts: A Case Study for Florida, USA. Water Qual Expo Health 6, 39–51 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-013-0099-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-013-0099-x

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