Coastal submergence refers to the relative drowning of coastal landforms caused by a rise in local or eustatic sea level or by subsidence of the land surface, leading to landward translation of the shoreline and modification of coastal morphodynamics. It encompasses processes such as thermal expansion of seawater, ice mass loss, tectonic or compaction-driven subsidence, and anthropogenic extraction of groundwater or hydrocarbons. Coastal submergence alters sediment budgets, increases frequency and extent of tidal inundation and storm-driven flooding, promotes erosion of beaches and cliffs, transforms coastal wetlands and estuaries, and is a key factor in coastal vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning under contemporary climate change scenarios.
Residents in informal settlements in Lagos—who are among the most vulnerable to climate change—have developed sophisticated, multi-scale climate adaptation systems and are earning a living from climate action, a new study ...
Environment
Jun 4, 2026
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Mangroves could store less carbon—and even begin releasing it—as sea levels rise, suggests new research in Earth's Future. Mangroves are made up of salt-tolerant plants that grow in coastal areas. They cover less than 1% ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 3, 2026
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Tidal wetlands are critical, yet vulnerable ecosystems. Tidal marshes, mangrove forests, and tidal flats support biodiversity, protect against flooding and storm surges, sequester carbon, and improve water quality. Due to ...
Earth Sciences
May 19, 2026
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Sea levels are rising not only on average, but also in their seasonal fluctuations. This is a lesser-known trend that could have major consequences for mudflats, salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems. Researchers from ...
Environment
May 13, 2026
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A Tulane University-led team of interdisciplinary researchers says coastal Louisiana's climate-driven land loss and population shifts could position the state to become a global leader in planning for climate adaptation.
Environment
May 4, 2026
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A new "gold standard" for soil analysis and microplastic extraction has been developed at the University of New England (UNE), unlocking vital capabilities to safeguard agricultural soils and protect human health. Led by ...
Biotechnology
Apr 29, 2026
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Venice has coexisted with the sea throughout its 1,500-year history, perhaps better than any other city on Earth. Yet over the past century it has flooded increasingly often, as the sea rises and the city itself sinks under ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 25, 2026
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Imagine your favorite sunny beach. Anywhere will do. You look out and see the ocean stretching to the horizon. To a glaciologist, that view is not just water; it's melted ice. Our new study shows that the best case sea-level ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 24, 2026
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Relocating the city of Venice is among four potential options—including movable barriers, ring dikes and closing the Venetian Lagoon—that could help it adapt to future sea-level rise over the next 200 years, according to ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 16, 2026
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A research paper led by William Paterson University environmental science professor Nicole Davi finds that coastal forests demonstrate incredible resiliency following major hurricane events, but these forests are increasingly ...
Plants & Animals
Apr 15, 2026
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