Past sea-level suggests troubling future

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In summary, the new research presented at this week's annual meeting of the Geological Society of America shows that rising sea levels of as little as a half-meter per century have been sufficient to dramatically change the shoreline of the U.S. Gulf Coast within the past 10,000 years. The findings are significant because half-meter increases are within the moderate range of predictions for the Gulf Coast during this century.
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Look at past sea-level rise points to troubling future
Rice U. geologists probe impact of rising seas along US Gulf Coast

New research presented at this week's annual meeting of the Geological Society of America shows that rising sea levels of as little as a half-meter per century have been sufficient to dramatically change the shoreline of the U.S. Gulf Coast within the past 10,000 years. The findings are significant because half-meter increases are within the moderate range of predictions for the Gulf Coast during this century.

"About 5,000 years ago, when sea level was rising approximately 50 centimeters per century, the upper part of Corpus Christi Bay increased by about one third over the span of about 200 years," said John Anderson, the W. Maurice Ewing Chair in Oceanography and professor of Earth science at Rice University in Houston. "Even without factoring in any effects from global warming, that's only about 20 percent slower than the projected sea level increases along the Texas and Louisiana coasts this century." [continued]
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-11/ru-lap110804.php
 
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  • #2
Ivan Seeking,

related news:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=6760398

While random "bytes" come in supporting the opposition (of GlobWarm reality), the accumulation of evidence is overwhelming.

Temperature is only secondary in the sequence. Water salinity is the "gear" in the system. Ice melting = fresh water IN, and salt content down. This will disturb the oceans' currents, and stop the warm water from moving "up" north. Nature's balance mechanism then must "make new Ice" to correct. Only equatorial regions will be able to produce food during Ice-times.

too late

TRoc
 
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  • #3
http://meteo.lcd.lu/globalwarming/McLean/Disputed_Science_of_Global_Warming.pdf

Sea-levels are rising though, and threaten many islands?
They are probably rising by fractions of a millimetre per year. Researchers have found that sea levels are almost unchanged around the world. The IPCC report of 2001 contained a graph showing very small changes in sea levels at 3 locations over a period of two hundred years (see reference 5.1). The same IPCC presented graphs showing rising temperature between 1900 and 1940 but no correlation could be made against change sin sea levels. In Australia, the National Tidal Facility produced a report into its 1998 study of sea level changes. That report stated "The results demonstrate that the overall average of the relative sea level trends is +0.3 mm per year, somewhat less than the IPCC estimated global average of 1-2 mm per year (IPCC, 1995)" (see reference 5.2).

In other instances of sea levels not rising in accordanec with the IPCC's predictions, a groove cut into rock in Tasmania in 1840 to indicate average sea level is now above the water level (see reference 5.3) and sea levels around the Maldives are falling and not rising as some people have claimed (see references 5.4 and 5.5).

As a general rule caution must be used in regard to any claim about changing sea levels because geologists report that land masses are shifting very very slightly, some tilting and others rising or falling. Rather than the sea level rising, it may be that the land is sinking.

cont..
 
  • #4
Who is John McLean?
 
  • #5
I doubt if it is important who the copy-paster is. Perhaps check the refs. There are the guys whose credentials do matter.
 
  • #6
I did start doing that already; some of the linked material is useful. Some of it is more difficult to judge. All of it takes time.

There are parts of his introduction that are not referenced. That information is probably just common knowledge in the field. I was curious to find out what he does and what he studies.

It appears he works in a UV measuring facility in Luxenburg. Any idea if that is correct?

Edited because when I get wordy I sound obnoxious.
 
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  • #7
me too...
 
  • #8
OK Sorry for seeming a bit harsh too. Too bad words do not convey body language and :smile: or :wink: could have helped. The question could have been interpreted as

"and who the h... does JML think he is, knowing it all better than all those scientists who have consensus ...etc...etc"

And to be honest there are a few shortcuts and inaccuracies in his story.
 
  • #9
There is no inaccuracy in the story of Louisiana. They are loosing swamp land (retreating shore line) at a terrible rate because they put levies on the Mississippi river and the mud can no longer escape into the swamp. If the sea level rises another meter that will be the end of New Orleans.
 

1. What is "Past sea-level suggests troubling future"?

"Past sea-level suggests troubling future" is a statement that refers to the scientific evidence and research that shows a consistent rise in global sea levels over the past century and the potential negative impacts this may have on our future.

2. How do we know that sea levels are rising?

Sea levels are measured using a combination of satellite data, tide gauges, and other oceanographic instruments. These measurements have consistently shown an increase in global sea levels over time. Additionally, scientists can also study geological evidence, such as sediment layers and coral growth, to track changes in sea levels over much longer periods of time.

3. What are the main causes of sea level rise?

The main cause of sea level rise is the melting of large ice sheets and glaciers due to global warming. As the Earth's temperature increases, these frozen water sources melt and flow into the oceans, causing sea levels to rise. Other contributing factors include the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms and changes in ocean currents.

4. What are the potential impacts of rising sea levels?

Rising sea levels can have a range of negative impacts on both human populations and the environment. These include increased coastal flooding, erosion, and storm surges, displacement of coastal communities, loss of important habitats and ecosystems, and damage to infrastructure and property. It can also lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies.

5. What can be done to address the issue of rising sea levels?

To address the issue of rising sea levels, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the rate of global warming. This can be achieved through various measures such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable practices, and implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, coastal management strategies, such as building sea walls and implementing nature-based solutions, can help mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on communities and ecosystems. Collaboration and collective action from governments, businesses, and individuals are essential in addressing this global issue.

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