Sea level rise at specific locations may be more or less than the glo...
- Global sea level trends and relative sea-level trends are different measurements.
- This is due to many local factors: subsidence, ocean currents, variations in land height, and whether the land is still rebounding from the compressive weight of Ice Age glaciers.
- For example, land subsidence involves gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface. This can cause short-term changes in local sea levels.
Sea level rise at specific locations may be more or less than the glo...
Factors Affecting Local Sea Level Rise
Local sea level rise can vary from the global average due to several factors. These factors include:
1. Local Land Subsidence:
- Land subsidence refers to the sinking or settling of the Earth's surface. It can be caused by various factors such as groundwater extraction, natural compaction of sediments, and tectonic activity.
- When the land subsides, it effectively reduces the height of the land relative to the sea level. This can lead to an apparent increase in sea level at a specific location, making it higher than the global average.
2. Ocean Currents:
- Ocean currents play a crucial role in redistributing heat around the globe, which can affect sea level.
- Currents, such as the Gulf Stream, can transport warm water from the tropics to higher latitudes. This can result in higher sea levels in regions where the warm water accumulates.
- Conversely, currents that transport colder water away from a region can cause a decrease in sea level due to the thermal contraction of the water.
3. Variations in Land Height:
- The elevation of the land surface can also influence local sea level.
- In areas where the land is rising or uplifting, the relative sea level may appear to be falling because the land is increasing in height faster than the sea level is rising.
- Conversely, in areas where the land is sinking or subsiding, the relative sea level may appear to be rising even if the global average sea level remains constant.
Overall, a combination of these factors can lead to significant differences between local sea level and the global average. Local land subsidence, ocean currents, and variations in land height all contribute to these differences. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - all of the above.