Surging Seas Risk Finder

Climate Central

This is a multi-step, interactive tool for users to identify potential risks (to people, buildings, infrastructure, contamination, land) for selected coastal areas in the US, using scenarios of water level rising (as a result of tides, sea level rise, and storm surge) from 0-10 feet. Tool provides local, regional and national resources as guidance for managing risk.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Excellent resource for students examining potential impacts of rising waters on local coastal communities. Have students use the full-feature map instead of the default map. Other aspects of local flood risk are featured in this view. Direct students to begin their exploration by resetting the water level to "show current coast." Then have them increase sea level by 1 or 2 feet to explore the changes/flooding that will occur in that region. Educators should be familiar with the navigation and how students are going to interact with the visualization, before introducing the tool to students.
This tool allows users to explore sea level and coastal flood risks at any location in the US. Risks to population, property, and landmarks are listed. Flood levels can be adjusted so that each stage of flooding can be studied. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths: - A wide variety of detailed information provided from population to infrastructure damage projections - Many cities are in the database - Visual tools - Links to other, more detailed information - "Reducing your risk" resource is fantastic - The local resources provided based on the coastal city you enter Suggestion: -Would be super helpful if there was more information on the science behind sea level rise.
Tool is designed primarily for communities and policymakers but can be used as a resource for the classroom, with students acting as members of a community charged with understanding the risks of sea level rise (and associated rising of water levels) and proposing adaptation/mitigation strategies. Guidance to instructors is not provided. Local fact sheets and reports can be downloaded for each location selected.