What Causes Sea Level Rise?

Summary

The video explains the causes of sea level rise, highlighting how local sea levels vary due to waves and tides while global sea levels are measured from space by NASA. Over the past century, global sea levels have risen by 7 to 8 inches primarily due to climate change, which causes glaciers and ice sheets to melt and warm ocean water to expand. This rise poses significant risks to coastal communities. NASA's Jason satellites continuously monitor sea levels, providing crucial data on how quickly these changes are occurring. The video encourages viewers to learn more about climate impacts through NASA Climate Kids.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Local sea level is the average height of ocean water at specific coastal locations.
• 🌍 NASA measures global sea level from space, which provides insights into ocean height trends.
• 📈 The global sea level has risen by about 7 to 8 inches over the past century.
• 🌡️ Rising global temperatures lead to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, contributing to sea level rise.
• 🔥 Warmer ocean temperatures cause water to expand, further increasing sea levels.
• 🏖️ Rising sea levels pose risks to coastal communities and can impact how we live.
• 🛰️ NASA uses Jason satellites to monitor global sea levels, completing measurements approximately every 10 days.
• 🔄 Continuous monitoring helps scientists understand the rate at which sea levels are rising.
• 🧊 Melting ice from land contributes significantly to the increasing volume of ocean water.
• 🔍 For more information about climate and our planet, resources are available at NASA Climate Kids.

Q & A

What is local sea level?

Local sea level refers to the average height of ocean water at a specific location along the coast.

How does NASA measure global sea level?

NASA measures global sea level from space using satellites, specifically the Jason satellites.

What has been observed about global sea levels over the past century?

Scientists have observed that global sea level has risen by about 7 to 8 inches compared to a century ago.

What are the primary causes of rising sea levels?

Rising sea levels are primarily caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets due to global warming, and the expansion of warmer ocean water.

Why does warmer water contribute to rising sea levels?

Warmer water expands, taking up more space in the ocean, which leads to higher sea levels.

How long does it take for the Jason satellites to complete a global measurement?

It takes approximately 10 days for the Jason satellites to complete one global measurement of sea level.

What impact do rising sea levels have on communities?

Rising sea levels can significantly impact communities near the coasts, potentially leading to flooding and loss of land.

How long has NASA been measuring global sea level?

NASA has been measuring global sea level for almost three decades.

What role do glaciers and ice sheets play in sea level rise?

Glaciers and ice sheets, when melted due to warming temperatures, contribute additional water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.

What can we learn from NASA Climate Kids?

NASA Climate Kids provides educational resources and information about the planet, including topics like climate change and sea level rise.