Rising sea level increases risk of flooding along Finland’s southern coastline

According to updated estimates, the sea level in the Gulf of Finland could rise by as much as 80–90 cm during this century. The rising sea level will clearly increase the likelihood of coastal flooding, especially along Finland's southern coastline. Flood risks around the Bay of Bothnia, in contrast, will not significantly increase during the coming century.

In recent research by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, estimates for the rising sea level and flood risks have been updated for the Finnish coastline for the period up to 2100. The research draws on the newest international research results for global rising sea levels and also takes into account regional variations.

More information:

Researcher Havu Pellikka, tel. +358 50 499 1131, havu.pellikka@fmi.fi

Researcher Ulpu Leijala, tel. +358 50 380 2828, ulpu.leijala@fmi.fi

Pellikka H., Leijala U., Johansson M.M., Leinonen K., Kahma K.K., 2018. Future probabilities of coastal floods in Finland. Continental Shelf Research 157, 32–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2018.02.006