New Jersey Map Shows Where State Could Be Underwater From Sea Level Rise

An interactive map shows how the state of New Jersey may be affected by climate change–related sea level rise, with experts warning that coastal areas are most at risk.

Map projections by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that rising sea levels may result in seawater inundating significant portions of New Jersey’s coastal areas, including swaths of the popular Jersey Shore.

The interactive map allows users to visualize how different parts of the state may be affected if sea levels rose by varying amounts, up to 10 feet. It also includes simulated depictions of how specific areas and buildings would look if encroached on by water.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that by the year 2100, global sea levels may rise by up to 3.6 feet. It adds that a rise of about 6.6 feet “cannot be ruled out.”

This map shows how New Jersey’s current sea levels. NOAA

If sea levels rose by 3 feet, water would inundate parts of New Jersey’s coastline, including its renowned shore, posing threats to coastal communities and infrastructure.

With a 6-foot rise in sea levels, the risks would escalate, potentially submerging parts of the Jersey Shore and the state’s barrier islands.

Much of Atlantic City, the state’s casino-filled resort city, would be underwater in this scenario, and millions of people living in New Jersey’s counties along the Atlantic Ocean could be affected.

This map shows how New Jersey affected if sea levels rose by 6 feet. NOAA

The state, already vulnerable to flooding and coastal storms because of its location and extensive coastline, may see an increase in these risks if sea levels rise.

A 2022 report by NOAA predicted that by 2050, sea levels would rise by 10 to 12 inches, the same amount that sea levels rose during the entire 20th century.

Nicole LeBoeuf, NOAA’s National Ocean Service director, told members of the press at the time, “Make no mistake: Sea level rise is upon us.”

She said the cost of sea level rise would be high, as 40 percent of the U.S. population lives within 60 miles of the country’s coastline and much of the American economy depends on it.

The rates at which sea levels rise could vary based on the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions and the melting ice caps.

Another problem to consider: Parts of New Jersey are sinking. The process, known as land subsidence, is caused by natural geological events and human-induced factors, such as groundwater withdrawal.

New Jersey is exploring ways to adapt to these challenges and mitigate the risks. These strategies include shoreline-protection measures, such as building seawalls and upgrading infrastructure.

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