UA climatologist has Gulf warning

Dr. Rebecca Minzoni, the newest climatologist at the University of Alabama, is perhaps best known for studying the glaciers of Antarctica, but has some advice for the Gulf Coast. "We should definitely be planning for sea level rise in coastal communities, especially those on the Gulf Coast." As a paleoclimatologist, she sees the rise of sea levels as “the greatest threat to our society." Paleoclimatology is the study of the long history of the Earth's climate. Scientists use tools like core borings deep into the sea floor to analyze and compare conditions of the past to today. Scientists know the world's seas are rising, and Minzoni expects a rise of about 4 millimeters a year in the future. "The Gulf of Mexico hasn't experienced sea level rise this rapid since 7,000 years ago," she added. Most Southern reaction to rising-sea level predictions has focused on Louisiana with its low-lying communities and estuaries, but Mobile Bay’s delta system could also be vulnerable in coming decades. Minzoni worked with Shell Oil after getting her Ph.D. from Rice University. (Source: AL.com 02/22/17)