Warming temps, and the rise and fall of coasts, complicate measurements of sea level. How do scientists establish sea level on a constantly changing Earth?
What does this year's odd U.S. weather have in common with a huge spike in hungry, stranded sea lion pups on California shores? Both are linked to a giant patch of warm ocean water.
Members of the EarthSky community - including scientists, as well as science and nature writers from across the globe - weigh in on what's important to them.