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Rising sea levels present a challenge for National Park System managers over the next century as they incorporate the latest sea-level rise information, including regional parameters when available, into individual park management plans. Rates of sea-level change vary throughout the National Park System, so the National Park Service (NPS) cannot define a single rate applicable to all parks. This complicates park planning and requires interpretation of research and modeling results. In this article we discuss many of the latest developments in sea-level rise research, including the drivers of sea-level change, global sea-level projections for this century, and what these mean for park managers. We also explain why tide gauge data in some regions have recorded decreasing mean sea levels and why potential storm surge should be included in planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment yield from modern continental blocks is a function of the area (dissolved load) and hypsometry (mechanical load) of the blocks. Hypsographic curves for modern continental blocks show that the change in the percentage area flooded for any change in eustatic sea level depends on the size of the block and the absolute sea level. This allows predictions of changes in sediment yield around different sized blocks for any given eustatic change. The range in size of continental blocks is such that, for any given sea level change, the blocks will show different percentage changes in yield. Data from modern continental blocks are compared with theoretical results. Assuming that the rules governing modern hypsometries applied in the past, and a constant volume of continental crust, it is possible to estimate the hypsographic curves of former continental blocks. The implications of suggested past continental configurations and sea levels for sediment yield are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]