New Jersey Flood Mapper
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Social Studies, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Rutgers University
What it is
- This interactive flood mapping tool shows which parts of New Jersey will be prone to future flooding based on three greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and various factors that can be adjusted.
- Other helpful features include a tool called "municipal snapshots," which allows students to build a variety of reports on a chosen municipality, and "New Jersey MyCoast," which displays photos of actual flood events on the map.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This tool gives students a visual representation of how greenhouse gas emission levels will directly affect the rate of flooding in New Jersey.
- Students can share, save, or print maps.
Prerequisites
- Students should start by clicking on the "total water levels tool," which will help them to understand the different data points.
- The term "SLOSH" stands for sea, lake, and overland surges from hurricanes.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science teachers could assign students different locations and scenarios and have them write a report showing what the location will look like in fifty years.
- Social studies and civics classes could use the "map layers" section of the resource to introduce a variety of pertinent layers into the map.
- Other resources on this topic include this interactive Google Earth resource on the fate of coastal cities and this podcast episode on sea level rise.
From the scientist review
This map features data layers on flood hazards, social vulnerability, land-use and land-cover change, infrastructure, transportation, marsh, and open space in New Jersey. Students can navigate to gain insights on potential environmental hazards, the current level of social vulnerability, etc. Although the map contains some limitations, for instance, it does not include datasets on wind-driven tides and coastal erosion, it is an interactive and engaging tool and it's recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on njfloodmapper.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
