The sea level off Maryland’s coast is up to 10 inches higher than it was in 1950.1 This increase is mostly due to land sinkage.2 Solutions in Maryland can be complicated because the state has a vast amount of assets to protect from sea level rise; not only cities and towns, but the Chesapeake Bay, other coastal wetland areas, historic districts, and a naval academy.3 There are already over 23,000 properties at risk from from tidal flooding in Maryland.4The state is planning over $3 billion in sea level rise solutions, which include beach renourishment projects, flood prevention, and raising homes.
Sea level rise is speeding up
The sea level around Annapolis, Maryland, has risen by 10 inches since 1950. Its speed of rise has accelerated over the last ten years and it’s now rising by about 1 inch every 5 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.5
Sea level measurement from Annapolis area tide gauge since 1950