Earth

How scientists know our seas are rising faster

The European Space Agency released this video on sea level rise on September 24, 2018. The video explains that – on average, as measured by satellites orbiting Earth – sea level has been rising 3.1 millimeters (0.12 inches) per year over the past 25 years. Melting glaciers and ice sheets, and the thermal expansion of sea water as oceans warm, are mainly responsible for the rise.

The rate of sea level rise has been accelerating in the past five years to nearly 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) per year. Jérôme Benveniste of ESA, who is featured in the video, called this “a strong acceleration.” He said:

By 2100, we could have a rise of 2 meters [6.5 feet].

Watch the video for more.

An average sea level rise of 3.1 millimeters (0.12 inches) per year might not sound like much. But it’s about 30 centimeters (about a foot) over a century. In recent years, the rate of rise has been more like 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) per year. Image is a still captured from the video above, via ESA.

Bottom line: A new ESA video on the rate of increase in sea level rise.

Posted 
September 24, 2018
 in 
Earth

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Deborah Byrd

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