Sea level change

Question 1

Why is coastal flooding now more likely because of rising sea level?

Answer 1

Increases frequency and severity of flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

Question 2

what rate is global sea levels rising?

Answer 2

almost 2m per year, forecast to increase to 4 or 5m by 2100.

Question 3

Eustatic

Answer 3

Tectonic movements alter ocean basin shapes. e.g. Sea floor spreading increases volume so decreases levels.

Climate change from both increase and decrease in temperature.

Question 4

Isostatic

Answer 4

Tectonic uplift or depression.

Compression or decompression from ice sheets either melting or created.

Accumulation of sediments mostly at mouths of rivers can cause compression.

Subsidence of land due to shrinkage after abstraction of groundwater.

Question 5

Impacts of sea level rise

Answer 5

More frequent and severe coastal flooding

Submergence of low-lying island

Changes in coastline- islands created and area of land decreases.

Question 6

Further impacts of sea level rise

Answer 6

Damage to coastal infrastructure

Decrease in tourism

Decrease in agriculture

Loss of homes.