Sea levels are rising as the oceans warm, ice melts and water expands. Sea levels have already risen about a foot and could rise several more feet by the end of the century. 

Earth’s warming climate is causing sea levels to rise in two different ways. First, warmer air temperatures are causing glaciers and land ice to melt. As the melt water flows into the ocean, the increase in the total amount of water causes the sea level to rise. Second, as ocean water warms, it expands—pushing water farther up along our shores and resulting in physical changes to ocean heat and temperature.

Since 1922, sea levels in Boston Harbor have risen by 10.4 inches, a rate exceeding the global average of approximately 8 inches since 1900. There are two reasons why sea levels are rising faster along the New England coast than elsewhere on the planet. The primary reason is land subsidence—our land is slowly settling, relative to sea level. The second reason is that circulation currents in the North Atlantic may be changing, leading to a weakening of the Gulf Stream and swelling the waters off our shores.

As seen on this picture, it shows observed and projected sea level rise for Boston, Massachusetts. The upper bound of future sea level rise is plausible if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase as they have in the recent past. Sea level rise above about 8 feet is unlikely, but possible, by 2100.

As seen on this picture it shows areas that would be flooded with 6 feet of sea level rise, a plausible level by 2100. Blue areas are under water, while green areas represent low-lying, vulnerable areas.

Knowing over what happened? What can we do instead of making things worse, would it be better if we contribute over small things like using a biodegradable product. What do you think? Are you in?

Sea levels are rising as the oceans warm, ice melts and water expands. Sea levels have already risen about a foot and could rise several more feet by the end of the century. 

Earth’s warming climate is causing sea levels to rise in two different ways. First, warmer air temperatures are causing glaciers and land ice to melt. As the melt water flows into the ocean, the increase in the total amount of water causes the sea level to rise. Second, as ocean water warms, it expands—pushing water farther up along our shores and resulting in physical changes to ocean heat and temperature.

Since 1922, sea levels in Boston Harbor have risen by 10.4 inches, a rate exceeding the global average of approximately 8 inches since 1900. There are two reasons why sea levels are rising faster along the New England coast than elsewhere on the planet. The primary reason is land subsidence—our land is slowly settling, relative to sea level. The second reason is that circulation currents in the North Atlantic may be changing, leading to a weakening of the Gulf Stream and swelling the waters off our shores.

As seen on this picture, it shows observed and projected sea level rise for Boston, Massachusetts. The upper bound of future sea level rise is plausible if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase as they have in the recent past. Sea level rise above about 8 feet is unlikely, but possible, by 2100.

As seen on this picture it shows areas that would be flooded with 6 feet of sea level rise, a plausible level by 2100. Blue areas are under water, while green areas represent low-lying, vulnerable areas.

Knowing over what happened? What can we do instead of making things worse, would it be better if we contribute over small things like using a biodegradable product. What do you think? Are you in?