Seas around the globe are rising because of human-caused climate change. Climate change is leading to a warmer Earth resulting in thermal expansion of water molecules in the oceans and melting ice caps and glaciers. In the Maritimes sea level is increased by subsidence, or the sinking of coastal lands. Lands are sinking here because a huge heavy glacier used to cover Canada but since it began retreating, the edges of the continent have begun to sink (just like when you jump on a bed and the edges of the mattress move up and down!). Subsidence contributes 5-10% to the projected relative sea-level change by 2100 and makes our region more vulnerable to sea level rise.
Due to emissions forcasts and subsidence, the latest scientific research predicts sea levels around New Brunswick may rise by 1 metre or more by 2100. There is time to prepare, adapt, retreat where needed, and use nature-based approaches.
Visit the sea level rise signs to learn more. The Port Elgin signs show a historic coastal flood level from 2010 and what the same storm could look like in 2100 with sea level rise. On January 2, 2010 the village experienced flooding from a nor'easter. The storm caused coastal flooding, moved cottages off their foundations, lead to a state of emergency and an estimated $900,000 worth of damage!
Visit the bilingual signs to learn more about sea level rise, how nature can help and actions you can take.
Here are the logging questions :
1. Look at the 2100 marker on the sea level rise signs and look around the site; what could flood in a storm at the end of the century?
2. What mesures could be taken to adapt to sea level rise in Port Elgin?
3. What did you learn while visiting this earth cache and what are some actions you could take to adapt to rising sea levels?
Send EOS the answers!