In only a few minutes, hurricanes can increase the ocean level along the coast by several feet.

With 80 percent of the country less than 3.3 feet above sea level, rising ocean levels and a potential increase in the intensity of tropical storms pose a serious threat.

The Underground Man is romantic and finally hopeful - though, as the author sourly remarks elsewhere: "There was nothing wrong with southern California that a rise in the ocean level wouldn't cure."