Climate Change: Battling the Sea

Scientists predict melting Arctic Ice will cause global sea
levels to rise within 50 years.

In the next century, after an additional 16 feet rise in sea level, the entire San Joaquin Delta will be claimed by the sea. But there may be a way to defend both the Delta and San Francisco Bay. Scientists believe that San Francisco is among the easiest to save. The most radical solution would be to put a dam right across the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Dam

On the ocean side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sea is about 130 feet deep. Building a dam would be controversial and return the bay into a freshwater lagoon. But at a time of intense sea level rise, some may consider this the best option. Using cutting-edge technology, huge dredgers could pick up sand from the seabed nearby and deposit it as the dam's foundation.

Building the Golden Gate Dam

The dam's shallow incline would ensure maximum stability against earthquakes, breaking the power of the ocean waves with ease. Vast pipes and pumps would be installed to keep the bay's river water flowing out to sea. The Golden Gate Dam would cost two and half billion dollars by rough estimates. It could be heightened to deal with any sea level rise in the future saving the San Francisco and the Bay area.

The Mediterranean Dam

Another region that may benefit from the United States sea defenses is the Mediterranean. It's flanked by countries both rich and poor that have thousands of years of history. The Mediterranean has a unique feature, a narrowing at its mouth. The Straits of Gibraltar are between 10 and 20 miles wide, stretching from southern Spain to Africa. A Mediterranean dam could keep the rising water of the Atlantic separate from the Mediterranean. There have actually been plans since World War II, for instance, to put a dam between the rock of Gibraltar and Morocco on the African side.

Consequences of the Mediterranean Dam

A dam big enough would prevent rising sea level from affecting the Mediterranean. But building a dam here has one major drawback. Every year, the Mediterranean loses 2 feet of sea level through evaporation that is compensated by the inflow of water from the Atlantic. The dam would cut this off, and after years of evaporation, the Mediterranean would turn into a stagnant saltwater lake, eventually causing the sea to dry out.

Historic Battle with the Sea

As scientists begin to consider possible solutions to rising sea levels they are increasingly finding many of these solutions come with devastating consequences themselves. Throughout history, civilizations have battled with the sea for control of the coastal regions. And throughout history, the sea has overcome the efforts of civilizations. Are we now technologically advanced enough to make a difference in our future?