The Earth's climate is changing, and one of the most visible signs of this change is the rising sea level. But what is causing this to happen, and what are the effects?
The most significant cause of rising sea level is the melting of ice sheets and glaciers.
These ice sheets and glaciers are located mainly in Greenland and Antarctica. As they melt, they add water to the ocean, causing sea level to rise.
The ice is melting due to rising temperatures caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
Due to which greenhouse gases are releasing into the atmosphere and causing global warming.
As the Earth's temperature increases, the seawater expands, as warm water takes up more space than cold water.
As sea level rises, coastal areas are more vulnerable to flooding from storm surges and tsunamis.
Rising sea level can also cause shoreline erosion, as the ocean washes away beaches, dunes, and other coastal features.
As sea level rises, coastal habitats such as beaches, marshes, and wetlands may be lost.