At the water's edge, an angled sign stands along the boardwalk. From this vantage point, visitors can see Miami in the distance on a clear day. A vertical measuring pole sticks out of the water near the boardwalk.
The title appears over an aerial view of south Florida's Atlantic coastline, focusing on the greater Miami area and the Florida Keys. There are three circular inset photographs, and an illustration of the measuring pole.
Sign Text in English and Spanish:
"The waters before you reach precious shores. To the east, Biscayne's barrier islands mark the world's third-largest coral reef. Straight ahead lies Miami, cherished by millions who live, work, and vacation there. Along the coast, mangrove forests foster a thriving underwater ecosystem.
The Atlantic — so essential to these places — also threatens their future. Earth's warming temperatures continue to melt glaciers and expand ocean waters, mostly caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels. Low-lying coastal areas already suffer from flooding and storm surge. What impact will higher seas bring?"
A cross-section of the coastline shows buildings of the Greater Miami Area adjacent the shallow Biscayne Bay. To the east are the islands labeled the "Florida Keys" and then the deep Atlantic Ocean.
A photo features mangrove trees with leafy branches and a tangle of roots above the water surface.
Caption:
"Mangrove forests protect coastlines against erosion, but higher storm surges could wipe them out."
A photo shows the Miami skyline—a cluster of city buildings—reflecting in the glassy water.
Caption:
"Some Miami areas already flood during high tides. How will rising seas affect this vibrant urban area?"
A photo shows a sea turtle with a paddle-like front flippers and reddish-brown oval shell.
Caption:
"Beaches on the northern Florida Keys — critical to nesting sea turtles like the loggerhead — could be under water later this century."
An illustration shows rising tides along a tall pole over time. "This pole marks current and projected sea levels, to show how rising sea levels would submerge this park's natural treasures and Florida's largest city."
From bottom to top:
-Average sea level in 2000: zero.
- Average elevation of turtle nesting beaches: about one-and-a-half feet.
-Projected sea level in 2100: 3 feet.
-Average elevation of downtown Miami: about 10 feet.
-Projected sea level in 2300: 12 feet.