The prospect of major sea level rise due to global warming will have a major impact on coastal communities throughout the world over the next century. If predictive scientific models prove correct, the Atlantic coast of the United States, which includes the New York City metropolitan area, could be one of the hardest hit regions.


United States Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey — Map of the Atlantic seaboard shows the coast’s relative vulnerability to sea level rise.


It is estimated that the region’s ocean levels may rise roughly another 4-12 inches (10-30 centimeters) over the next 15 years, 7-24 inches (18-61 centimeters) by the 2050s, and 9-43 inches (23-109 centimeters) by the 2080s


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, National Weather Service — Category 2 hurricane storm surge simulation at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in New York City.


Google Map mashup depicting areas hardest hit by sea level rise in New York.

What does this mean? Will our subways and streets be flooded?

   



Is there a way to visualize this information accurately using scientific data in order to identify areas that may be impacted the most and realize the implications?