As sea levels rise and weather patterns change, low-lying, coastal South Florida is likely to see flooding that becomes more frequent and severe. Parts of Fort Lauderdale, which has been affected by such events in recent years, are especially vulnerable.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a virtual reality simulation that models the possible future effects of flooding in the city, portraying the potential combined effects of king tides, regular storms and various feet of sea level rise.
The simulation provides the viewer with a slider to raise and lower possible flood levels — various stages show even inland neighborhoods largely inundated.
"The point of the VR is to take these very complex calculations and put them into
a format that people can understand, and also relate to," Serena Hoermann, director for the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU, who spearheaded the project, told the USA TODAY Network. The model demonstrates "illustrative scenarios, not predictions," she said in the release.
King tides may provide glimpse into possible future flooding
Parts of South Florida have repeatedly been inundated recently due to king tides, and, according to Miami-Dade County, the annual flooding is only expected to worsen — Fort Lauderdale, which was hit hard by floods after a series of heavy rains in 2023, is vulnerable, like much of the area, due to its proximity to sea level, as well as its network of canals.
"When we see what the water in our streets and around our homes and businesses could look like, then we begin to understand that we need to act to prevent these future scenarios," Hoermann said. "The investment in infrastructure is important, and our patterns of development matter."
Recent king tides have provided an example of how waters might rise in the future, Hoermann said.
"During king tides, which are happening right now, you can go outside and see where the water can be," she said. "This is a good way to see live where future sea level rise or a big storm could bring the water. It opens up these conversations that we need to have to continue to plan for flooding risk."
The team behind the Fort Lauderdale simulation previously developed a similar project for West Palm Beach, Hoermann said.
"It's become a really good way to have conversations with people," Hoermann said. "It has been used in different settings with residents, with decision makers, to begin to move forward and find solutions, and find support for the decisions that need to be made."
Something about VR "tricks your brain" Hoermann said, adding that "you really think you're there, at least for moments at a time, when you're interacting with the model."
'Potential for flooding' is increasing in coastal areas
Fred Bloetscher, professor and associate dean at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, led data collection for the project — he said it was drawn from multiple sources, and includes information from tide gauges and water management districts. Part of the data the team gathered showed a "greater potential for flooding in coastal areas" in South Florida, he said.
"When you get somewhere between two and three feet of sea level rise, the situation goes from manageable to, 'We have got to do something completely different,'" Bloetscher said. "With sea level rise, discussing these climate issues … you have a group of people that says, 'I don't know what to do about it,' and they just throw up their hands. And we need to educate those people, because there is something we can do about it.”
Bloetscher posed a variety of solutions also listed within the simulation, including sea walls and pumping stations. Additionally, the way buildings are constructed in vulnerable areas should change, Bloetscher said. For instance, ground floor elevations could be raised to improve flood resilience.
"Sea level rise and the storms that come with that — it's a slow, steady creep," he said. "This will not happen tomorrow. So, the good news is that we have time to come up with solutions."
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: VR tool reveals how sea level rise could swamp Fort Lauderdale
