Losing Coastal Upland to Relative Sea-Level Rise: 3 Scenarios for Massachusetts

The possible loss of coastal upland areas in Massachusetts is examined under various scenarios of projected sea level rise and passive coastal submergence. Relative sea level rise is the major process responsible for upland loss in this state. At the present rate of rise, Massachusetts will have lost about 3000 acres of upland between 1980-2025. This is the same upland loss that occurred during 1935-80, an equal length of time. For a rise of 1.14 ft, about 7500 acres would be lost; for a rise of 1.57 ft, the maximum likely, more than 10,000 acres would be lost.