Sea level at Visakhapatnam projected to increase by up to 98 cm by 2100
The authors note that higher late-century sea levels could lead to more frequent flooding, shoreline erosion, and stress on port and industrial facilities.
VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam is projected to see a clear rise in sea levels by the end of the century, with a new scientific study estimating an increase of 41 cm under a low-emissions scenario (SSP1-2.6), 70 cm under a middle-emissions (SSP2-4.5), and up to 98 cm under a high-emissions (SSP5-8.5) for the period 2091-2100.
These findings come from a recently published study titled “Recent Past and Future Projection of Sea Level: A Case Study of Puri, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam,” authored by researchers Vijay K Kannaujiya, Abhishek K Rai and Sukanta Malakar. The study uses satellite altimetry, tide-gauge records, and climate model projections under CMIP6 to examine both past sea-level trends, and future scenarios.
The study warns that the city’s vulnerability is also likely to increase, driven by its expanding urban footprint, port-related infrastructure, and the exposure of low-lying coastal zones that are already sensitive to flooding and erosion.
[...]