As if rising sea levels and increasingly powerful storms were not enough, add the wobbly orbit of the moon to flood risk factors.
Scientists say fluctuations in the moon’s orbit will lead to a spate of fair weather flooding beginning in the mid-2030s. A recent study examined regular fluctuations in the moon’s orbit around the Earth occurring on an 18.6 year cycle.
As the cycle progresses, the angle between the moon’s orbit and the Earth’s equator grows and shrinks. During half of the cycle, the moon’s pull amplifies the earth’s tides, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides.
Researchers say that this moon wobble effect will increase the number of flooding events significantly. They predict that Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico will see clusters of sunny-day floods in the mid-2030s, mid-2050s, and early 2070s. The northern Atlantic coast is expected to experience a spike in flooding in the mid-2040s and in the early 2060s.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2018
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition created
Professional associations and building standards organizations join forces.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
Heat island effect can turn deadly in extreme conditions
Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.
The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters
Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.