Sea Level Rise Becomes Threatening for Coastal Areas: Rapa Nui Moai Statues

Experts reveal why the famous Easter Island monument could be at risk

By the end of the century, rising sea levels could push powerful seasonal waves into Easter Island’s15 iconic moai statues, according to a new study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage.About 50 other cultural sites in the area are also at risk from flooding.“Sea level rise is real,” said Noah Paoa, lead author of the study and a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. “I…

Scientists warn ocean could soon reach Rapa Nui’s sacred moai

Advanced computer modeling suggests that by 2080, waves driven by sea level rise could flood Ahu Tongariki and up to 51 cultural treasures on Rapa Nui. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to preserve the island’s identity, traditions, and tourism economy.

Sea level rise becomes threatening for coastal areas: Rapa Nui Moai statues

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Rising sea levels are now threatening Rapa Nui’s Moai statues.  According to a Cultural Heritage study by students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, by 2080, the rising sea levels could cause seasonal waves to reach Ahu Tongariki, the iconic ceremonial platform that is part of the Rapa Nui National Park.  Paoa and his team built a digital twin of the study site and used advanced computer models to simulate the wave environ…