The areas of Dunfermline that could be underwater by 2030

The study has been conducted by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public.

The organisation used current projections to produce a map showing which areas would be underwater by 2030.

(Climate Central)

According to the prediction, Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay will lose some land around the coast.

In Inverkeithing, flooding will overtake much of Hope Street, stretching all the way across to Ferry Toll Road and further along the coast.

Dalgety Bay would see The Wynd completely lost as well as large chunks of Moray Way South.

However, Climate Central admits the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

 It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

(Climate Central)

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."