Question

Along many low-lying sections of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a 1 ft rise in sea level may equate to as much as ________________ of inland movement of the beach.

A. 1 ft
B. 10 ft
C. 100 ft
D. 1000 ft
E. 10,000 ft

Answer 1

With a 1 ft rise in sea level, the movement of the beach inland can be up to 100 ft. This retreat of the shoreline is due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, particularly the melting of land ice, leading to significant coastal and infrastructure impacts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Along many low-lying sections of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a 1 ft rise in sea level could potentially lead to a large inland movement of the beach. With this change, you can generally expect a horizontal retreat of the shoreline. Given the available options, the correct answer to how much of an inland movement of the beach may equate to is C. 100 ft.

Scientific studies have shown that sea levels have risen at an average of 0.06 inches per year over a certain period, with more marked increases seen in recent decades due to climate change and the melting of land ice. When sea levels rise, there is a corresponding increase in flooding, and low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable.

The sea level rise and the consequent inland movement of beaches can have serious implications for the coastline retreat and increased flooding, substantially impacting coastal communities and ecosystems.