Sea Level Rise

Front

What is the primary contributing factor to the global mean sea level rise since 1880?

Back

Meltwater from glaciers and ice sheets

Front

How does the average rate of global mean sea level rise from 2006–2015 compare to most of the twentieth century?

Back

It increased by 2.5 times the average rate

Front

What are some local factors that can cause variations in sea level rise at specific locations?

Back

Ground settling, erosion, upstream flood control, land rebounding and regional ocean currents

Front

In which U.S. regions are the fastest rates of sea level rise currently observed? Options: Pacific Northwest and Alaska, Gulf of Mexico and mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest, Great Plains and Rocky Mountains

Back

Gulf of Mexico and mid-Atlantic

Front

Why is sea level rise a significant concern for urban settings along coastlines?

Back

It threatens infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power plants.

Front

What are the two main contributors to global mean sea level rise due to global warming? Options: Expansion of ocean floor and changes in atmospheric pressure, Melting of glaciers and ice sheets + thermal expansion of ocean water, Changes in ocean currents and variations in underwater topography, Shifts in tectonic plates and the decline of liquid water on land.

Back

Melting of glaciers and ice sheets + thermal expansion of ocean water

Front

How has the contribution to sea level rise from melting ice and heat expansion changed over the past few decades?

Back

The contribution from melting ice has increased significantly, surpassing heat expansion.

Front

How did the ice loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet change from 1992-2001 to 2012-2016?

Back

It increased seven-fold.

Front

What is the primary method for measuring sea level since the early 1990s?

Back

Satellite altimeters using radar pulses

Front

How do satellite altimeters measure sea level from space?

Back

By measuring the return speed and intensity of a radar pulse.