The Future
Rising Sea Level
Historic tide gauge data for Galveston and Freeport indicate a rise in relative sea level of 60 cm (2 feet) over the past 100 years. Approximately half of this rise in relative sea level reflects an increase in ocean volume due to glacial melting (eustatic sea level) and the other half reflects land subsidence due to groundwater removal. Follets Island, with an average elevation of less than 5 feet, is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Historic tide gauge data for Galveston and Freeport indicate a rise in relative sea level of 60 cm (2 feet) over the past 100 years. Approximately half of this rise in relative sea level reflects an increase in ocean volume due to glacial melting (eustatic sea level) and the other half reflects land subsidence due to groundwater removal. Follets Island, with an average elevation of less than 5 feet, is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.