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13 November 2014

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A flooded farm

Lost to the sea?

Dramatic new computer images show how thousands of acres of land could be flooded if sea levels rise on the Sussex coast.

A map of Rye now

Rye;in 2008.

The map – produced by experts Dr Geoff Meaden and John Hills, uses the latest computer modelling technology to show how the sea could take over if sea defences are not constructed.

• A one metre sea rise – which is predicted within the next 40-100 years – could see the loss of Shoreham beach, wipe out thousands of homes in Kent and see much of the Romney Marshes return to the sea. 

A map of the Rye area showing the predicted effect of a five metre rise in sea level

Rye:after a five metre rise in sea level

• A three metre rise in sea level - potentially a reality within the next 200 years – would see most of Eastbourne disappear under the waves and Thanet will return to being an island. As for Sheppey – well, that’s decimated.

• Our final scenario was a five metre rise. If that happens, Rye is virtually lost to the sea. A new island appears in the new Rye Bay. Canterbury becomes a port. 

You don’t even need to live by the sea to be affected. It’s been described as one of the biggest challenges to the South East. 

Logo:Inside Out

You can watch the full report From Inside Out South East on the BBC iPlayer until September 25th, 2008.

last updated: 18/09/2008 at 10:55
created: 16/09/2008

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