U. of Wash. students estimate Puget Sound sea level rise

Students at the University of Washington have estimated future sea level rise in southern Puget Sound, according to a release from the university. The area is near Olympia, a city particularly prone to rising tides.

Using climate models, the students did a case study on shorelines in the region. The models gave them data on ocean temperature and sea-level rise, and historical records helped them put changes that may come into perspective.

By 2100, the group found that water near Olympia will rise by 14 to 32 inches and reach levels near that of the open oceans. The students project waters will rise by similar amounts in Seattle.

Image: Puget Sound (Credit: Washington Department of Ecology)