Rising sea levels pose a significant risk to Easter Island's iconic moai statues, according to a new study. The study shows that seasonal waves could impact these cultural heritage sites as early as 2080. Researchers created a high-resolution digital model of the island’s eastern coastline to simulate future wave impacts. Their findings indicate that Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform housing the moai, could be inundated, threatening both tourism and Rapa Nui's cultural identity. Approximately 50 other cultural sites in the vicinity are also at risk from flooding due to climate change.
Rising sea levels could push powerful seasonal waves into Easter Island's 15 iconic moai statues, posing significant peril to cultural heritage from climate change. The site draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, deeply woven into Rapa Nui's cultural identity.
A high-resolution digital twin of Easter Island's eastern coastline allowed researchers to simulate future wave impacts under various sea level rise scenarios and overlay results with maps of cultural sites to identify those at risk.
The findings indicate waves could reach Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform, as early as 2080. This site is pivotal to the island's tourism economy and is embedded in the cultural heritage of Rapa Nui.
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