Causes of Global Sea Level Rise: Thermal Expansion, Glacial Melting, and More

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In summary, the causes of Global Sea Level Rise during the last century include thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of glaciers. Additionally, changes to water stored on land also have a major effect on global sea levels. During El Niño events, sea levels in Peru are higher than they are during non El Niño events, and relative sea levels in the Gulf Coast of the United States are rising at rates much greater than the global average due to Antarctic ice melting. It is possible to estimate Global Sea Level Rise using data from a handful of tide gauges, and this can be done by choosing the correct answers in terms of alpine glaciers and small ice caps melting, the Greenland ice sheet, and changes to water stored on land. However,
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TheMathNoob
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Homework Statement


What are the causes of Global Sea Level Rise during the last century

A. Thermal Expansion of the Oceans
B. Melting of Glaciers
C. Post Glacial Rebound
D. A and B

ans D
It is possible to estimate Global Sea Level Rise using data from a hand-full of tide gauges.
A true
B False

ans B because geologically the height of the land can change.

Choose the Correct Answers

A. Alpine glaciers and small ice caps melting (contain water to change sea level by 51 cm)
B. Greenland ice sheet (contains water to change sea level by 720 cm)
C. Changes to water stored on land have a major effect on global sea levels
D. A and B

ans D, I don't know if the source where I am getting this answer is right, but I am just wondering if you agree

During El Niño events:
A. Sea levels in Peru are higher than they are during non El Niño events
B. Sea levels in Peru are lower than they are during non El Niño events
C. Sea levels are higher globally
D. Sea levels are lower globally

ans B, sea levels are higher at peru during el nino event

Relative Sea Levels in the Gulf Coast of the United States are rising at rates much greater than the global overage due to:

A. Post Glacial Rebound
B. A Strong La Niña
C. Sediment Load on the continental shelf
D. Antarctic ice melting

D, I don't think that the rise of land masses influences the rise of sea levels.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
TheMathNoob said:
D, I don't think that the rise of land masses influences the rise of sea levels.
Tthe question asks for the rise relative to the ground.
Why should melting ice in the Antarctic influence the US gulf coast in particular?

Google should find answers to all of those questions.
 

1. What is causing global sea level rise?

Global sea level rise is primarily caused by two main factors: thermal expansion and glacial melting. Thermal expansion is the increase in volume of the ocean due to warmer temperatures, while glacial melting occurs when ice on land (such as glaciers and ice sheets) melt and flow into the ocean.

2. How does climate change contribute to sea level rise?

Climate change is the main driver of global sea level rise. As the Earth's average temperature increases due to human activities, the ocean absorbs more heat and expands, causing sea levels to rise. Additionally, as the Earth's temperature rises, glaciers and ice sheets melt at a faster rate, further contributing to sea level rise.

3. Is sea level rise a natural occurrence or caused by human activities?

Sea level rise has occurred naturally throughout Earth's history, but the current rate of sea level rise is unprecedented. Scientists have determined that the current rate of sea level rise is mainly caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

4. Will sea level rise continue in the future?

Yes, sea level rise is expected to continue in the future due to the ongoing effects of climate change. Scientists project that sea levels could rise anywhere from 0.3 to 2.5 feet by the end of the 21st century, depending on the future emissions of greenhouse gases.

5. What are the potential impacts of sea level rise?

Sea level rise can have a variety of impacts, including coastal erosion, increased risk of flooding and storm surges, and displacement of coastal communities. It can also lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and damage to important coastal ecosystems. These impacts can have significant economic, social, and environmental consequences.

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