Rising seas are inundating US coastal wetlands, putting many on track to become open water

AI Summary

Rising sea levels driven by climate change are rapidly inundating US coastal wetlands, threatening to convert many of them into open water. Sediment accumulation and inland movement provide some resistance but cannot fully counteract encroaching tides.

Along the three coasts of the contiguous United States, a silent race unfolds. Fueled by climate change, sea levels rise faster than at any time in recent geologic history. Meanwhile, coastal wetlands cling to a slim lead, lifted on newly accumulated sediments or moving inland as encroaching tides nip at their heels.