Scientists said that climate change could render the atoll islands uninhabitable in just a few decades.
A group of American and European scientists came to the conclusion: in a few decades, most of the low-lying atolls of the world may become uninhabited due to climate change and a lack of fresh water. Among them are the Maldives, Seychelles and part of Hawaii. The work was published in the journal Science Advances.
Researchers studied the climatic processes affecting the territory of the Marshall Islands. This small state in Micronesia has 29 atolls and is already showing signs of climate change. Scientists believe that similar processes threaten all coral islands - hundreds of thousands of their inhabitants could be left homeless.
Earlier studies of climate change in atolls were based on estimates of the rise in water levels surrounding the islands. According to these data, abrupt climatic changes did not threaten the atolls in the next century. The authors of the new work compared the graphs of sea level rise with estimates of the dynamics of sea waves, and also took into account the projected volumes of greenhouse gas emissions. Comparing all these parameters, scientists concluded that most of the low-lying coral islands are in danger.
Impact of Powerful Waves on Roy Namur Island, Marshall Islands / Science Advances.
According to their forecasts, the main source of risk is floods: over the years they will occur more often and may become more powerful. They will harm the infrastructure of the islands: buildings, roads, transport. Floods also threaten fresh water sources, aquifers (aquifers). An aquifer is one or more layers of sedimentary rock through which groundwater can seep. Water is brought to the surface using wells. Flooding can cause salt water to enter the aquifer and make the mixture unfit for drinking and cooking. Rain can neutralize small amounts of salt water, but researchers estimate that predicted rainfall will not be enough.
Scientists believe that the results of their work will help assess the danger threatening the islands and plan protective measures in advance.
Natalia Pelezneva
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