Rising Sea Levels

Definition

Rising sea levels refer to the increase in the average height of the Earth's oceans and seas over time, primarily caused by global warming and the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

Analogy

Imagine filling a bathtub with water. As you keep pouring more water into it, the level rises higher and higher. Similarly, rising sea levels occur when more water is added to the oceans, causing them to expand and flood coastal areas.

Related terms

Coastal Erosion: The wearing away of land along coastlines due to the force of waves and currents.

Ocean Acidification: The process in which carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, leading to a decrease in pH levels and harmful effects on marine life.

Climate Change: Long-term shifts in weather patterns caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.