Sea Level Rise Explained

  • Cause: Sea level rise is caused by global warming, with two main factors:
    • Melting ice: Melting glaciers and ice sheets add water to the oceans.
    • Thermal expansion: As water warms, it takes up more space, causing the ocean level to rise.
  • Rate: The current rate of sea level rise is unprecedented in at least the past 3,000 years.
  • Consequences: Sea level rise can lead to:
    • Coastal flooding: Rising sea levels increase the risk of flooding during high tides and storms.
    • Loss of land: Coastal areas may be submerged or eroded by rising seas.
  • Variability: Sea level rise is not uniform across the globe. Some areas may experience more significant rise than others.

Read more at Yale Climate.

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