Science, November 20
Over the past decade, sea levels have risen by an average of 4.8 millimeters per year, a rate much higher than the values estimated in the IPCC’s 2014 Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). This discrepancy suggests that the three main drivers of sea-level rise—thermal expansion of ocean water from global warming, melting glaciers and melting ice sheets—began sooner than previously estimated. This compilation of sea-level rise studies projects that Greenland melt will likely become the largest contributor to rising sea levels by 2100; but that winds and ocean currents will play a crucial role in determining along which coastlines sea levels will rise the most in coming decades.
Compiled by Amy Imdieke.
By Science Writing Intern Haily Landrigan, Global Outreach Director Amy Imdieke, and ICCI Director Pam Pearson.
Published Nov. 27, 2020 Updated Jul. 12, 2022 3:22 pm