what causes rising sea levels

11 months ago 24
Nature

Sea level rise is caused by a combination of factors related to global warming:

  • Melting ice sheets and glaciers: As the Earths temperature rises, ice sheets and glaciers melt, adding water to the ocean.

  • Thermal expansion: As seawater warms, it expands and takes up more space, causing sea levels to rise.

  • Changes in ocean currents: Changes in ocean currents can cause sea levels to rise in some areas and fall in others.

  • Sinking land: Some areas of land are sinking due to natural processes or human activities, causing sea levels to rise faster in those areas.

Sea level rise can have significant impacts on coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, and populations. It can cause flooding, shoreline erosion, and saltwater contamination of freshwater aquifers, among other effects.