Sea Levels Rising and Albedo

Front

What is sea level rise?

Back

The increase in the average level of the ocean's surface due to factors like melting ice and thermal expansion of water.

Front

What causes sea level rise?

Back

Melting glaciers, melting ice sheets, thermal expansion of seawater, and increased water from precipitation.

Front

What is albedo?

Back

The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.

Front

How does albedo affect Earth's temperature?

Back

Surfaces with high albedo reflect more sunlight, which can help keep temperatures lower, while low albedo surfaces absorb more heat.

Front

What happens when ice with high albedo melts?

Back

When ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces that have a lower albedo, leading to increased absorption of heat and further warming.

Front

What is the difference between sea ice and land ice?

Back

Sea ice forms from frozen seawater and floats on the ocean, while land ice includes glaciers and ice sheets that are found on land.

Front

Why does melting sea ice not contribute to sea level rise?

Back

Melting sea ice is already floating in the ocean, so its melting does not change the overall water level.

Front

What is thermal expansion?

Back

The increase in water volume as it warms, contributing to sea level rise.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's temperature.

Front

How does climate change relate to sea level rise?

Back

Climate change leads to increased temperatures, which cause glaciers and ice sheets to melt and seawater to expand, both contributing to sea level rise.