North Carolina Map Shows Where State Could Be Underwater From Sea Level Rise

An interactive map shows how parts of North Carolina could be submerged in water as sea levels rise due to the effects of climate change.

The state faces particular risks because of its barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, its extensive coastline and its low elevation.

The map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration allows users to see how different parts of the United States would be affected if sea levels rose by various amounts.

The map also allows users to click on certain streets and landmarks and view a projected image of how they would look if partially underwater.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that by the year 2100, global sea levels will have risen by between 0.95 and 3.61 feet. However, it notes that a rise of around 6.6 feet “cannot be ruled out.”

This map shows the current sea levels of North Carolina. NOAA

If sea levels rose by just 3 feet, parts of North Carolina’s barrier islands and coastal areas would be encroached by water, according to projections by the NOAA.

If sea levels were to rise to 6 feet, nearly the entire counties of Dare, Hyde and Tyrrell would be submerged.

If sea levels were to rise to that level, parts of Wilmington, one the state’s largest cities which is known for its historic downtown riverwalk, would also be affected, according to the map.

This map shows how North Carolina would be affected if sea levels rose by 6 feet. NOAA

Some coastal parts of North Carolina are already preparing for rising sea levels. The Outer Banks town of Nags Head has said it is factoring the issue into its zoning code, stormwater and flood and dune protection.

The state has also widened its beaches by pumping sand from the ocean onto its shorelines.

The rates by which sea levels might rise are at this point imprecise projections, and could vary depending on what actions countries take to tackle climate change and slow the melting of ice caps.

David Thornalley, a professor of ocean and climate science at University College London, previously noted to Newsweek that 2100 was only one lifespan away, and that significant sea rises “would happen if we didn’t take steps to reduce our GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.”

NOAA oceanographer William Sweet said in a previous email to Newsweek: “NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer is a versatile mapping platform that provides insights on what lies in harm’s way—either from ongoing sea level rise or flooding from full-moon tides to hurricane storm surges.

“Due to decades of sea level rise, high tides are drowning wetlands and routinely flooding U.S. coastal communities, disrupting commutes and commerce and requiring extensive upgrades to public works like storm and waste-water systems.”

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