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Areas of Lancashire could be underwater by 2030

These are the areas of Lancashire at risk of being underwater by 2030 <i>(Image: Dogs Trust)</i>
These are the areas of Lancashire at risk of being underwater by 2030 (Image: Dogs Trust)

A study reveals the areas of the UK that could be underwater by 2030, including areas in Lancashire.

The research was carried out by an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, who investigate climate change and its impact on the public.

Current projections were used to create a map showing which areas are at risk of being submerged by the end of the decade.

Lancashire locations at risk from rising sea levels

The Climate Central map reveals large areas of Blackpool at risk of losing land to the rising sea levels within less than a decade.

Lancashire Telegraph: Climate Central map shows areas at risk of being underwater by 2030
Lancashire Telegraph: Climate Central map shows areas at risk of being underwater by 2030

Climate Central map shows areas at risk of being underwater by 2030 (Image: Climate Central)

Other Lancashire locations include: St Michaels on Wyre, Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood, Morecambe and parts of Preston.

You can view the full map via the Climate Central website.

The results of the research make grim reading suggesting the majority of the region is made up of land which will be below 10 meters of water - the website states a water level of 10 meters above the high tide line could be reached through combinations of sea level rise, tides, and storm surge.

Coastal attractions in danger include Blackpool’s North, South and Central piers and Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Water Park.

Other attractions at risk of being submerged include a golf club in Fleetwood, Cockersand Abbey in Lancaster and a caravan park in Morecambe among others.

Datasets include "some error"

Climate Central does admit the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."