Satellite Data Shows Sea Levels Are Rising At An Accelerated Pace
- 6 years ago
A recent study of data gathered by NASA and European satellites shows that sea levels have been rising at an accelerated pace over the last 25 years.
A recent study of data gathered by NASA and European satellites shows that sea levels have been rising at an accelerated pace over the last 25 years. NASA notes that, according to lead author Steve Nerem, "This acceleration, driven mainly by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica, has the potential to double the total sea level rise projected by 2100 when compared to projections that assume a constant rate of sea level rise." If increases continue at the recently determined pace, levels could rise roughly 26 inches by 2100, putting many coastal regions at risk of experiencing significant complications. "This is almost certainly a conservative estimate," Nerem also comments. "Our extrapolation assumes that sea level continues to change in the future as it has over the last 25 years. Given the large changes we are seeing in the ice sheets today, that's not likely." Melting glaciers are one of two ways continued sea level increases occur. The other happens due to heat-related expansions of the water. Both are connected to growing concentrations of greenhouse gasses. According to the study, level increases can also occur in the short-term due to events like volcanic eruptions and climate patterns.
A recent study of data gathered by NASA and European satellites shows that sea levels have been rising at an accelerated pace over the last 25 years. NASA notes that, according to lead author Steve Nerem, "This acceleration, driven mainly by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica, has the potential to double the total sea level rise projected by 2100 when compared to projections that assume a constant rate of sea level rise." If increases continue at the recently determined pace, levels could rise roughly 26 inches by 2100, putting many coastal regions at risk of experiencing significant complications. "This is almost certainly a conservative estimate," Nerem also comments. "Our extrapolation assumes that sea level continues to change in the future as it has over the last 25 years. Given the large changes we are seeing in the ice sheets today, that's not likely." Melting glaciers are one of two ways continued sea level increases occur. The other happens due to heat-related expansions of the water. Both are connected to growing concentrations of greenhouse gasses. According to the study, level increases can also occur in the short-term due to events like volcanic eruptions and climate patterns.