Sea Level Rise Viewer for Cape Cod

A new project from the Cape Cod Commission’s GIS team is helping to visualize the potential impacts of sea level rise to Cape Cod. This web mapping application is intended to illustrate the vulnerability to climate change and hazards related to significant meteorological events. The tool shows potential sea level rise increments; Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) zones; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs); and the town-identified critical facilities for the Cape.

Sea level rise is a global issue with critical implications for Cape Cod. There are numerous potential impacts to the Cape, the extent of which will be determined by future emission scenarios, temperature scenarios, and rates of glacial melting and discharge. Possible impacts include increased height of storm surges and associated coastal flooding frequencies; worsening shoreline erosion; and the permanent inundation of low-lying areas.

Try out the sea level rise viewer by typing in a Cape Cod address and manipulating the tide level to reflect changes in sea level.