Part 2. Exploring Scientific Evidence and Evaluating Choices

What other evidence suggests global warming?

Rise of global sea level

Global sea levels are responsive to global average surface temperatures. Higher temperatures cause sea levels to rise for two reasons:

1. Higher temperatures cause melting of mountain glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet, which creates more water that eventually ends up in the world's oceans.
2. Higher temperatures cause ocean water to expand, which increases total ocean volume and is reflected in rising sea levels.

The global-average sea level has risen by 10 to 25 cm over the last 100 years, and much of this may be due to the increase in global temperatures. Additional related information may be obtained by clicking on the titles below.

Loss of Coastal Upland to Relative Sea-Level Rise
Climate change and sealevel
Climate change and the special concerns of coastal areas and small island states.

Click on the image below to continue exploring other evidence, or click on the back button to return to Part 2: Exploration of the Problem of Global Warming.