The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers will result in a rise in sea levels.
Biodiversity decline has occurred through various means:
Sea level change refers to the long-term variations in the average sea level.
It provides key evidence regarding climate change in the past. It helps in estimating the rates of tectonic upliftment in the past geological periods.
Short Term: Short-term variations occur within a year and are typically in the range of 5-6 cm, often influenced by factors such as:
In the 20th century, short-term sea level rise occurred due to:
Long Term
Long-term changes in sea level of more than 100 meters can only occur if major ice sheets melt or if there are significant alterations in the volume of the world's mid-oceanic ridge.
The potential rise in sea levels due to further increases in atmospheric temperature could have significant and dire consequences:
Recent sea level rises have had the most significant impact on islands, with the Carteret Islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Tuvalu Islands in the South Pacific being notable examples. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established the "Oceans and Coastal Areas Programme Activity Centre" in 1987 to investigate sea level rise and assess the nations most vulnerable to submersion.
1. What is global warming and what are its impacts? |
2. How does global warming contribute to sea level change? |
3. What are the potential consequences of sea level rise caused by global warming? |
4. How does global warming impact biodiversity and ecosystems? |
5. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impacts of global warming on sea level change? |
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