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It is predicted that every U.S. coastline will be involved in quickly increasing high tide flooding due to “moon wobble” and climate change, according to a study done by NASA on Jul 7, 2021, mentioned in the KSAT article on July 19, 2021. In particular, it is expected to happen in the 2030s.
What Is “Moon Wobble?”
“Moon wobble” is a cyclical or altering shift in the moon’s orbit every consecutive 18.6 years. These shifts were documented dated back all the way to the year 1728, according to KSAT.
This wobble affects the gravitational pull of the moon and can suppress or amplify the ocean tides of the earth. According to NASA, this, combined with accelerating sea levels, can cause risk for those who reside in coastal areas.
The “moon wobble” is not brand new. It has been something documented for some time, but “What’s new is how one of the wobble’s effects on the Moon’s gravitational pull – the main cause of Earth’s tides – ” This will mix with the sea levels rising as an outcome from the warming of the planet, according to the study done at NASA. This, essentially, is how climate change gets involved and creates an impact.
How Does It Affect The Earth Now?
As of now, we are in the other half of the 18.6-year cycle of the moon where the tides amplify, which is where “High tides get higher, and low tides get lower. “, according to the study done at NASA.
However, it will be a different scenario next time the cycle comes with amplified tides come mid-2030s. The global sea-level rise will have been in effect for another decade, which will result in higher seas. These seas, already amplified by the lunar cycle, will produce a “leap in flood numbers”, according to NASA. This leap will happen in most, if not all, of U.S. mainland Coastline, Guam, and Hawaii.
A final statement from NASA declares they produced a high-tide flood tool. According to the NASA study, this implement exists on the “NASA team’s sea level portal,” which is a “resource for” administers “and the general public.” This tool will be soon updated with the newfound discoveries from the study.
With the predictions of significant flooding occurring soon (the 2030s) due to “moon wobble” and climate change, it is paramount for communities in the listed coastline areas to be alert regarding any needed preparation.
Written by Ke’Lena Thomas
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
KSAT: ‘Moon wobble,’ climate change expected to cause surge in flooding in US coastal communities, study says; by Sarah Acosta and Rebecca Salinas
NASA: Study Projects a Surge in Coastal Flooding, Starting in 2030s; by Carol Rasmussen
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Ben and Rachel Apps’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of musicany’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License