The sea level off Delaware’s coast is up to 4 inches higher than it was in 1956.1 This increase is mostly due to land sinkage2 and ice melt.3 Solutions in Delaware can be complicated because all 3 counties and over 50% of the state’s cities are at risk and need solutions for sea level rise and flooding.4 There are already over 9,500 properties at risk from from tidal flooding in Delaware.5 The state is planning over $60 million in sea level rise solutions, which include wetland renourishment and flood prevention projects.
Sea level rise is speeding up
The sea level around Reedy Point, Delaware, has only risen by 4 inches since 1956. Its speed of rise has accelerated over the last ten years and it’s now rising by about 1 inch every 10 years.1 Scientists know this because the sea level is measured every 6 minutes using equipment like satellites, floating buoys off the coast, and tidal gauges to accurately measure the local sea level as it accelerates and changes.6
Sea level measurement from Reedy Point area tide gauge since 1956