Sea level rise

Definition

Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to factors such as melting ice caps and glaciers, as well as thermal expansion of seawater caused by global warming. This phenomenon poses significant risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies, as it can lead to flooding, loss of habitat, and displacement of populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global average sea levels have risen about 8-9 inches since 1880, with the rate of increase accelerating in recent decades.
2. Melting polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are major contributors to current sea level rise, accounting for a significant portion of the increase.
3. Thermal expansion occurs as seawater warms and takes up more space, further exacerbating the issue of rising sea levels.
4. Many low-lying coastal cities are at risk of becoming uninhabitable due to rising sea levels, leading to potential displacement of millions of people worldwide.
5. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands are threatened by rising sea levels, which can lead to loss of biodiversity and critical habitats.

Review Questions

• How does climate change contribute to sea level rise, and what are the implications for coastal communities?
  • Climate change contributes to sea level rise primarily through glacial melt and thermal expansion of seawater. As global temperatures rise, glaciers and polar ice sheets melt at an accelerated pace, adding more water to the oceans. This rise in sea levels poses serious threats to coastal communities, including increased flooding, erosion, and loss of land. The implications can be devastating, leading to displacement of populations and loss of infrastructure.
• Discuss the significance of thermal expansion in relation to sea level rise and its impact on ocean ecosystems.
  • Thermal expansion is significant because it accounts for a substantial portion of sea level rise alongside melting ice. As ocean temperatures increase due to climate change, water expands and takes up more volume, contributing directly to higher sea levels. This process not only threatens coastal areas but also impacts ocean ecosystems by altering habitats and affecting marine life. Species that depend on stable environments may struggle to adapt or relocate.
• Evaluate the potential social and economic consequences of sea level rise on global populations over the next few decades.
  • The potential social and economic consequences of sea level rise are profound and multifaceted. Over the next few decades, many coastal cities may face increasing risks of flooding and storm surges, which can disrupt economies reliant on tourism, fisheries, and trade. Socially, vulnerable populations may experience displacement, leading to increased migration pressures and potential conflicts over resources. As a result, addressing sea level rise is crucial for sustainable development and social equity in affected regions.

Related terms

climate change:

A long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels.

glacial melt: The process by which glaciers and ice sheets lose mass due to warming temperatures, contributing to higher sea levels.

storm surge: An abnormal rise in sea level during a storm, often exacerbated by sea level rise, leading to coastal flooding.