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Rise in Sea Levels 

As the Earth's temperature increases, so does the temperature of the ocean water. When water gets warmer, it expands, taking up more space. This expansion is known as thermal expansion, and it contributes to the overall rise in sea levels.

Sea level rise over the years

Large sheets of ice, such as those in Antarctica and Greenland, are melting due to the warmer temperatures. As these ice sheets melt, the resulting water flows into the oceans, adding to the volume of water and causing sea levels to rise.

1. Observations Since the 1990s: Satellite Monitoring: Satellites have been observing and measuring sea levels since the early 1990s. The data collected from these satellites show a consistent and notable increase in sea levels since 1993. This rise is occurring at a rate per year that is significantly higher than the average observed over the previous fifty years.Observations by satellite over the past years
2. IPCC's Prediction: Accelerated Ice Sheet Disintegration: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that if the Earth's average temperature increases by 3-4 degrees Celsius, the process of ice sheet disintegration could speed up. This means that the large ice sheets could break apart more rapidly, leading to a substantial rise in sea levels.
3. Consequences for People: If such a rise occurs, it could result in around 330 million people being displaced from their homes either permanently or temporarily due to flooding in low-lying areas.
4. Warming Seas and Storms: Impact on Tropical Storms: The warming of the seas also has consequences for weather patterns. As sea temperatures rise, they can fuel the development of more intense tropical storms. This means that storms like hurricanes and typhoons can become stronger and more dangerous, posing increased risks to coastal regions.

Impacts on Coastal States in India

1. Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat: The coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat are at serious risk because the sea level is rising. This could lead to flooding of land, including farms, and cause damage to coastal buildings and property.
   Rise in sea level over coastal areas
2. Goa's Vulnerability: Goa is expected to be the most affected, losing a significant portion of its land, including famous beaches and tourist spots.
3. Mumbai's Vulnerability: In Mumbai, places like Versova beach and other populated areas near tidal mud flats and creeks are also at risk of losing land and facing more floods due to the rising sea level.
4. People Displacement: Flooding could force many people living on the coasts to leave their homes. This puts extra pressure on basic services like water, electricity, and housing in cities, contributing to fast urbanization.
5. Water Scarcity: When seawater floods the land, it can mix with freshwater sources, making clean water scarcer for people living in these areas.
6. Cyclone Risks in Orissa: States along the coasts, like Orissa, may experience more severe cyclones due to the changing climate. This poses a threat not only to people but also to various species living along the coastline.
7. Coral Reefs and Marine Life: India's coral reefs, found in special areas called biosphere reserves, are at risk. The rising sea level is a danger to these reefs, as well as the tiny plants called phytoplankton, fish stocks, and the people who depend on them.
8. Ganges Delta Flood Risks: People living in the Ganges Delta, an area near the coast, are also at risk of floods because of rising sea levels. This affects their homes and daily lives.

Water level rise in Ganges Delta