Hey there! So, check out this map that shines a light on the areas in Alaska that might deal with some serious flooding due to rising sea levels by 2100.
A recent study by Richard Buzard from the University of Alaska Fairbanks has some eye-opening findings. Namely, coastal communities in Alaska could be in deep water (literally) if current development trends are not curtailed. The study was recently published in Scientific Reports.
Buzard’s research points out that western Alaskan coastal communities face the highest flood risk and have a large number of structures in jeopardy. Also, northern Alaska coastal communities are likely to be hit with flood exposure by 2100. The map included in the study paints a vivid picture of these at-risk communities.
Rising sea levels are a cause for concern as they can worsen coastal flooding, erode shorelines, and displace communities. This rise is linked to global warming, causing polar ice caps and glaciers to melt and seawater to expand due to thermal expansion. The risk extends to crucial coastal infrastructure like homes, businesses, ports, and power stations.
Interestingly, 22% of surveyed buildings in Alaska are at risk of flooding, and this figure could rise to 37% by 2100 with the continuous rise in sea levels. Efforts are underway to mitigate these risks by collaborating on a comprehensive coastal plan that integrates local knowledge, infrastructure, community plans, and more.
Community planners often rely on data such as the 100-year flooding plain to guide their decisions. This data helps in understanding the likelihood of severe flooding events occurring in a given year. Buzard aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing crucial flood risk information for remote Alaskan villages.
In his research, Buzard developed a coastal flooding database using historical reports and observations, shedding light on flood risks along Alaska’s Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort coasts. The database includes 448 entries of floods in 55 coastal towns dating back to 1887.
Major flood events like the fierce storm in October 1913, which caused extensive flooding with waters rising to unprecedented levels in various Alaskan towns, underscore the urgency for accurate measurements to effectively plan for the future.
It’s critical to tap into the wealth of knowledge from local communities and organizations, often passed down through generations, to better prepare for potential disasters. Collaboration and data sharing are essential for a resilient and flood-resistant Alaska.