The committee will provide an evaluation of sea level rise for California, Oregon, and Washington for the years 2030, 2050 and 2100. The evaluation will cover both global and local sea level rise. In particular, the committee will:

1. Evaluate each of the major contributors to global sea level rise (e.g., ocean thermal expansion, melting of glaciers and ice sheets); combine the contributions to provide values or a range of values of global sea level rise for the years 2030, 2050, and 2100; and evaluate the uncertainties associated with these values for each timeframe.

2. Characterize and, where possible, provide specific values for the regional and local contributions to sea level rise (e.g., atmospheric changes influencing ocean winds, ENSO [El Nino-Southern Oscillation] effects on ocean surface height, coastal upwelling and currents, storminess, coastal land motion caused by tectonics, sediment loading, or aquifer withdrawal) for the years 2030, 2050 and 2100. Different types of coastal settings will be examined, taking into account factors such as landform (e.g., estuaries, wetlands, beaches, lagoons, cliffs), geologic substrate (e.g., unconsolidated sediments, bedrock), and rates of geologic deformation. For inputs that can be quantified, the study will also provide related uncertainties. The study will also summarize what is known about:

a. climate-induced increases in storm frequency and magnitude and related changes to regional and local sea level rise estimations (e.g., more frequent and severe storm surges)

b. the response of coastal habitats and geomorphic environments (including restored environments) to future sea level rise and storminess along the West Coast

c. the role of coastal habitats, natural environments, and restored tidal wetlands and beaches in providing protection from future inundation and waves

3. The committee will organize a report dissemination workshop following the public release of the study report.