Sea level rise is the gradual increase in the average sea level caused by the thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of ice on land, particularly glaciers and ice sheets. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere, which is caused by the increase of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere causes the ocean water to expand, as it gets warmer, which leads to sea level rise. Additionally, as ice on land melts, the water flows into the ocean, also contributing to sea level rise.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international body that assesses the science related to climate change. They have projected that sea levels could rise between 0.26 and 0.82 meters (about 10 to 32 inches) by the end of the century, depending on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the rate at which ice sheets and glaciers melt. These projections are based on different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions, and if the efforts to reduce these emissions are not taken, the sea level rise could be even higher.
It’s also important to note that sea level rise can vary by location, due to factors such as ocean currents, coastal topography, and subsidence (when land sinks). Some areas may experience higher or lower sea level rise than the global average.
Sea level rise can have a number of impacts on coastal communities, including more frequent and severe coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources. These impacts can affect infrastructure, property, and ecosystems, as well as human health and well-being.
It’s worth noting that the sea level rise is a slow-moving process, but the effects are cumulative and will be felt over time. Adaptation measures such as building sea walls, relocating critical infrastructure, and elevating buildings can help to reduce the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities. However, to really address the problem, it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the warming of the planet.
Sea level rise can also have impacts on ecosystems such as wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs, which provide important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, as well as important ecosystem services such as coastal protection, water purification, and carbon sequestration. When sea levels rise, these ecosystems can be drowned and destroyed, which can have cascading effects on the species that depend on them.
Sea level rise can also exacerbate storm surges, which are the abnormal rise of seawater caused by the storm winds. When storm surges are combined with high tide, they can cause severe coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. This can increase the risk of damage to infrastructure, buildings, and other property, as well as the risk of injury or death to people.
It’s important to note that sea level rise is not a future problem, it is already happening, and it will continue to happen. Coastal communities around the world are already experiencing the impacts of sea level rise, and the situation is likely to worsen in the coming decades.
Undergraduates studying in the field of coastal management, environmental science, civil engineering, and other related fields can play a critical role in helping to understand and address the challenges posed by sea level rise. They can conduct research on the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities and ecosystems, develop new technologies and strategies for adaptation, and work with policymakers and communities to create more resilient coastal regions.
Overall, sea level rise is a complex and pressing issue that requires a multifaceted response, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation measures, and educating the public and policymakers about the risks and opportunities associated with sea level rise.