The potential impacts of climate change on the mid-Atlantic coastal region

摘要: This paper assesses the potential impacts of climate change on mid-Atlantic coastal (MAC) region United States. In order increasing uncertainty, it is projected that sea level, tem- perature and streamflow will increase in MAC response to higher levels atmospheric CO2. A case study for Delaware based digital elevation models suggests that, by end 21st century, 1.6% its land area 21% wetlands be lost an encroaching sea. Sea-level rise also result storm surges, causing 100 yr floods occur 3 or 4 times more frequently century. Increased accretion wetlands, however, which may increases CO2, temperature, streamflow, could mitigate some flooding effect sea-level rise. Warming alone northward displacements mobile estuarine spe- cies exacerbate already low summer oxygen estuaries because increased demand decreased solubility. Streamflow substantially degrade water quality, with significant negative consequences submerged aquatic vegetation birds. Though have positive region, such as tourism due warming ecological benefits from less-frequent harsh winters, most are expected negative. Policies designed minimize adverse human activities ecosystems mid-Atlantic, decreases nutrient loading watersheds, help risks associated future variability this region.