Connecticut Coastal Erosion & Sea-Level Rise Simulator

Climate Scenario

Select a global emissions trajectory. This dictates the base rate of sea-level rise.

Low Emissions (Aggressive Mitigation) ~0.3m rise by 2100. Lower storm intensity.

Medium Emissions (Current Policies) ~0.6m rise by 2100. Moderate storm intensity.

High Emissions (Business as Usual) ~1.0m+ rise by 2100. Severe Nor'easters frequent.

Coastal Mitigation Strategy

As a city planner, choose how to protect the shoreline and vital infrastructure (Metro-North).

Do Nothing (Baseline) No upfront cost. High vulnerability.

Concrete Seawall High cost. Blocks surge, but fails if overtopped. Degrades ecosystem.

Restore Salt Marshes Moderate cost. Absorbs wave energy, adapts naturally.

Managed Retreat & Elevate Very high cost. Move infrastructure inland, elevate homes.

HS-ESS3-5: Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.

Coastal Connecticut is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and severe storms (Nor'easters). Vital infrastructure, such as the Metro-North commuter rail line and densely populated coastal neighborhoods, sit just above current sea levels.

The Model: This simulation forecasts impacts from 2025 to 2100. It combines slow, steady sea-level rise with random, acute storm surges.
Your Task: Act as a regional planner. Test different mitigation strategies against various climate emission scenarios. Analyze the trade-offs between upfront costs, long-term maintenance, and catastrophic damage costs.

Connecticut Coastal Erosion & Sea-Level Rise Simulator

Current Year

Cumulative Cost

Land Inundated

Connecticut Shoreline Model (Cross-Section)

Forecast Data: Financial Impact vs Time

Connecticut Coastal Erosion & Sea-Level Rise Simulator