Sea level refers to the average height of the ocean's surface, used as a standard in reckoning land elevation and ocean depth. It is influenced by various factors including climate change, which causes thermal expansion of water and melting of ice, leading to rising sea levels and impacting coastal ecosystems and human settlements.

Sea Level

Sea level

average height of the ocean's surface

standard in reckoning land elevation

ocean depth

Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It results in global warming, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and human societies worldwide.

climate change

thermal expansion of water

When ice gets warm, it turns into water. This happens because the tiny pieces that make up ice start moving around more when they get hot, and then they can't stick together to stay as ice anymore.

melting of ice

Rising sea levels, primarily driven by global warming and the melting of polar ice caps, pose a significant threat to coastal communities, ecosystems, and global economies. This phenomenon exacerbates flooding, erodes shorelines, and increases the salinity of freshwater resources, necessitating urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies.

rising sea levels

Coastal ecosystems are dynamic environments where land meets the ocean, characterized by high biodiversity and productivity, providing essential services such as carbon sequestration, storm protection, and habitat for marine and terrestrial species. These ecosystems are under threat from human activities and climate change, necessitating urgent conservation and sustainable management efforts to maintain their ecological functions and benefits to human communities.

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons