Sea level rise

Definition

Sea level rise refers to the increase in the average level of the Earth's oceans and seas, primarily caused by two main factors: the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. This phenomenon has significant implications for coastal processes and landforms, leading to increased flooding, erosion, and changes in coastal ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global average sea levels have risen about 8 to 9 inches since 1880, with acceleration noted in recent decades due to climate change.
2. Major cities around the world, such as Miami, New York, and Jakarta, are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, which could lead to significant economic impacts and displacement of populations.
3. Rising sea levels can result in the loss of coastal habitats like wetlands and mangroves, which provide essential ecosystem services such as flood protection and carbon storage.
4. Coastal infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and bridges, faces heightened risks from increased flooding and erosion due to sea level rise.
5. Mitigation strategies for sea level rise include building seawalls, restoring natural barriers like wetlands, and implementing managed retreat in vulnerable areas.

Review Questions

• How does sea level rise impact coastal erosion processes and what are some potential consequences for coastal communities?
  • Sea level rise intensifies coastal erosion by increasing wave action on shorelines and reducing the land available for sediment deposition. This erosion can lead to loss of property, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of communities living near coastlines. As shorelines retreat due to both erosion and inundation from higher water levels, vulnerable areas may face increasing risks from storms and flooding.
• Discuss the relationship between rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. What are the implications for freshwater resources in coastal regions?
  • As sea levels rise, saltwater can encroach into freshwater aquifers through coastal groundwater systems. This saltwater intrusion compromises the quality of freshwater supplies crucial for drinking water and agriculture. Coastal communities may face challenges in maintaining clean water sources for residents and farming activities, requiring costly infrastructure upgrades or alternative sourcing solutions.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of sea level rise on global biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. How might this shape future conservation efforts?
  • Long-term sea level rise poses serious threats to biodiversity within coastal ecosystems by altering habitats such as mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs. As these ecosystems are inundated or eroded away, many species that rely on them for habitat or food sources will be at risk of decline or extinction. Future conservation efforts will need to adapt by focusing on habitat restoration, creating migration corridors for wildlife, and implementing protective measures to enhance ecosystem resilience against ongoing climate change impacts.

Related terms

Erosion: The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice.

Coastal Flooding: A type of flooding that occurs when water inundates land areas adjacent to a sea or ocean, often exacerbated by storm surges and rising sea levels.

Saltwater Intrusion: The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, often caused by rising sea levels that can impact drinking water supplies and agricultural areas.