From IAN FALLON
I read with some concern your statement in Comment, 21 April, that the
Thames Barrier will be obsolete by the year 2050 if sea levels rise by only
30 centimetres.
The Thames Barrier and other associated river works were designed to
withstand a ‘1-in-1000’ year flood in the year 2030 allowing for a rise
in sea level of 30 centimetres. This will allow the Thames to rise 1.7 metres
above the highest recorded level it has ever previously reached.
Should sea levels rise by more than 30 centimetres, this will only reduce
the ‘1-in-1000′ year chance of the Thames’ flood defences being overtopped,
not make the Barrier obsolete.
Ian Fallon National Rivers Authority Thames Barrier, London
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