Sea-level rise refers to the increase in the level of the world's oceans due to the effects of climate change, primarily caused by melting ice caps and glaciers, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. This phenomenon is a significant consequence of climate change, impacting coastal communities and ecosystems, increasing the risk of flooding, and contributing to more severe natural disasters like hurricanes and storm surges.
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Sea-level rise is currently estimated at about 3.3 millimeters per year, but projections suggest it could accelerate significantly by the end of the century.
Major cities located along coastlines, such as Miami, New York City, and Jakarta, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, facing increased flooding and erosion.
Coastal ecosystems like mangroves and salt marshes are threatened by rising sea levels, which can lead to habitat loss for many species and reduced natural protection against storms.
The economic impact of sea-level rise could reach trillions of dollars in damages due to infrastructure loss, displacement of populations, and increased costs for mitigation efforts.
International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global temperature increases to reduce the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise.
Review Questions
How does sea-level rise influence natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding?
Sea-level rise contributes to more intense flooding during natural disasters like hurricanes by raising the baseline level from which storm surges occur. As sea levels rise, coastal areas become more susceptible to flooding from storm surges, making hurricanes even more destructive. This increased vulnerability can overwhelm existing flood defenses and lead to greater loss of life and property during extreme weather events.
Evaluate the implications of sea-level rise for coastal communities and ecosystems.
Coastal communities face significant risks from sea-level rise, including increased flooding, loss of property, and displacement of residents. Ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs are also threatened, leading to habitat loss for numerous species. The degradation of these ecosystems reduces their ability to buffer coastlines against storms and provides critical services such as carbon storage. Communities must develop adaptive strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Synthesize the connection between global warming, sea-level rise, and economic consequences for vulnerable regions.
Global warming leads to rising temperatures that contribute to glacial melt and thermal expansion of seawater, both key drivers of sea-level rise. This phenomenon poses severe economic consequences for vulnerable regions, including costly infrastructure damage from flooding and increased insurance premiums. As populations in coastal areas grow and climate change intensifies, proactive measures must be implemented to safeguard these regions' economic viability while addressing environmental challenges.
Related terms
glacial melt: The process of glaciers and ice sheets losing mass and volume due to rising temperatures, contributing significantly to sea-level rise.
thermal expansion: The increase in water volume that occurs when water heats up, which is a major factor in sea-level rise as ocean temperatures increase.
An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a storm, caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, which can be exacerbated by higher baseline sea levels.