Sea-level rise linked to higher water tables along California coast


Date:
August 21, 2020
Source:
University of Arkansas
Summary:
Researchers modeled the effects of rising sea levels along the
California coast. While results varied with local topography, the
study indicates an increased threat to populated areas already at
risk from rising water tables, and the possibility of flooding in
unexpected inland areas.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
In the first comprehensive study of the link between rising sea levels
and inland water tables along the California coast, researchers found
an increased threat to populated areas already at risk from rising water tables, and the possibility of flooding in unexpected inland areas.


==========================================================================
In the new study, researchers modeled the effects of rising sea level
along the entire California coastline. While results varied with local topography, the study indicates rising sea levels could push inland
water tables higher, resulting in damage to infrastructure and increased severity of flooding.

"Increased roadway fatigue, reduced sewer and septic drainage, and the potential for mobilizing contaminants in soils currently above the water
table will eventually be triggered farther inland as the water table
rises with higher sea levels," researchers concluded.

Kevin Befus, assistant professor of geosciences at the University of
Arkansas, is the first author of the study, published in the journal
Nature Climate Change.

While many coastal areas are focused on overland flooding as a result
of sea level rise, the threat of rising groundwater tables, known as "shoaling," is not as well known or understood. Shoaling occurs when
rising seawater pushes inland. The denser marine water underlies shallow freshwater aquifers, pushing them upward. In some low-lying areas,
shoaling could force groundwater water to the surface, increasing the likelihood of flood damage.

Researchers identified key infrastructure at risk from shoaling, including
the Port of Los Angeles and airports in Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

But groundwater does not need to emerge to cause problems, the authors
noted.

Rising water tables, for instance from 6 feet below ground to 3 feet,
could impact buried infrastructure such as wastewater pipes, electrical conduits and building foundations. Places like Miami and Hawaii have
long grappled with this immediate connection between the ocean and
their groundwater. But for most coastal communities in California,
the connection is more subtle and has not yet become a part of their
climate planning.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Arkansas. Original
written by Bob Whitby.

Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. K. M. Befus, P. L. Barnard, D. J. Hoover, J. A. Finzi Hart,
C. I. Voss.

Increasing threat of coastal groundwater hazards from
sea-level rise in California. Nature Climate Change, 2020; DOI:
10.1038/s41558-020-0874-1 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200821103907.htm

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