Sea level rise is a long, slow process that has been occuring for the past 20,000 years since the Ice Age! As the world has developed new technologies and industrialized, global warming has increased, causing glacial ice in the Arctic and Antarctic to melt drastically. As this sea ice melts, the ocean expands as more solar heat is absorbed. This oceanic expanison is a cause for concern, as extreme flooding will eventually become a reality for unprotected waterfront cities.

New York City is at risk of sea level rise flooding, shown above, with the potential for

Storm surges and intense flooding are direct consequences of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, nor'easters, and superstorms. Hurricanes originate in the tropics, while nor'easters develop in the arctic. Although hurricanes are often much shorter than nor'easter storms, they are both destructive forces of nature that occur suddenly, leaving little time for preparation before they arrive.