Subsidence will be higher than sea level rise at 6% of global coastline
The impact of sea level rise is a hot topic of debate and intensely studied by researchers. However, so far the effects of land subsidence have not been included in any prediction modelling. This is particularly relevant as land subsidence sometimes significantly contributes to total relative sea level rise. Land subsidence can even surpass sea level rise, which is especially relevant in subsidence-prone coastal areas. Scientists have now developed a database for global subsidence data. Using this database Climate Physics MSc student Isolde Glissenaar from Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 combined, for the first time, sea level rise with land subsidence data on a global scale.
Impact
The new database defines land subsidence as a direct effect of groundwater extraction, resulting in subsoil compaction and eventually lowering of the surface. In some places, like the east coast of India and China where groundwater extraction is high, land subsidence can even reach values of up to 10 metres in 2100. The sea level rise in these areas is expected to be around 0.7 metres in 2100. Hence, subsidence will be the largest component in these areas.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands land subsidence projections will be high too: subsidence will locally reach up to 1.5 metres in 2100. If we look further afield, we expect that in 6% of the world鈥檚 coastline areas the subsidence will be larger than sea level rise.
Conclusions
This is the first study where sea level rise and land subsidence data are combined. Taking the necessary precautions in mind, our results strongly suggest that it is important to include projections of land subsidence in sea level rise studies.
