Smart Water Magazine has published an article about a study led by researchers at Tulane University that discovered sea levels in the Southeast U.S. have been rising at a rate three times the global average over the last 12 years. Using a combination of field and satellite measurements from across the region dating back to 1900, the authors investigated what variables drove rising sea levels. Overall, they concluded the Southeast and Gulf coasts’ accelerated rise was due to a combination of the consequences of global warming and a years-long peak in weather patterns that contribute to the rise.

While scientists expect the region’s rising sea levels to return to more moderate values, they still warn that the accelerated numbers seen over the last decade have already created unsustainable stress for local communities that needs to be addressed. Access the original study here or read more at Smart Water Magazine.