ourse raises questions about climate change affecting sea levels. When the barrier was completed in 1984, the water level on the Thames at Tower Bridge was recorded as increasing by about 2ft every century. It is now estimated that this could have risen to as much as 1 metre per century. As well as the overall sinking of Britain, the rate of the melting of polar ice caps has increased over the last twenty years, which could go toward explaining this difference. However according to Britain's Environment Agency, the planet as a whole has experienced a period of relative drought over the last decade and water levels were expected to rise significantly once it concluded. However, questions still remain about whether the Thames Barrier will be able to protect London until 2030 as it was originally designed.
As for Canvey Island, after the 1953 floods it had its flood defences rebuilt bigger and better. A solid concrete wall over six metres high now completely surrounds the island. This is similar to the improved defences which were installed along the banks of the River Thames while the barrier was being built. After it was completed, these were heightened further and the banks of the Thames from shortly after the river passes the barrier are now eight metres above the average water level.
- Palmer, Alan; "The Thames Barrier";
- (Author unknown); "Thames Barrier";
- Waugh, Priscilla; "The Thames Barrier";
- (Author unknown); "Thames Barrier";
- Henshall, Natalie; "Barrier closes a record 14 times to protect London from flooding";http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/429013?lang=_e®ion=&projectstatus=&theme=&subject=&searchfor=
- firstname.lastname@example.org; "Sharp rise in Thames Barrier closures";
- Foden, Heidi; "Londoners facing imminent risk of tidal flooding";
- (Author unknown); "Thames Barrier closures against tidal surges";
- Beyer, Elke; "The Thames Barrier";
http://www.biw.fh-deggendorf.de/alumni/1999/beyer/thames-en.htm (and accompanying pages)
- (Author unknown); "Thames Barrier investment pays off";
- Meek, James; "50 years on, new menace of fatal flooding";