A vast number of coastal cities in the U.S. would be submerged if sea levels rise 10 feet, according to a map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A 10-foot sea level rise would be "catastrophic" for America, Randall Parkinson, a coastal geologist and professor at Florida International University, told Newsweek .

Why It Matters

Rising sea levels pose multiple risks, not only the flooding of coastal towns but also damage to sites that store certain hazards, as well as possible contamination of drinking water sources.

A recent survey found there are 5,500 sites that store, emit or handle sewage, trash, oil, gas and other hazards that could face coastal flooding by 2100.

The researchers also found that more than half the sites are projected to face flood ris

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