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When things get warm, they expand, and the oceans are no exception. So when the atmosphere gets warmer, as it is now doing, the seas warm as well. Warming seas expand, and the only way they can go is up. So global warming is causing rising sea levels, even without the extra water from melting glaciers and ice caps.
Of course the expansion of the sea with a change in temperature is rather small. The IPCC report predicts an increase of 0.2°C per decade. Also note that global warming is probably raising the temperature of the surface water a bit - but only down to a depth of a few hundred feet, so most of the water in the oceans is not changing temperature noticeably. A change of 0.2°C in ocean water temperature to a depth of 1000 feet would change the volume of the water by 0.00516% thus resulting in an increase of water level of 0..0516 feet (0.62 inches or 1.57 cm). In short, expansion of the ocean water due to global warming could be a minor, but measurable event. Melting ice would be expected to have much more impact.
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What factors affect sea level?
1) earths tilt, larger tilt will result in more sun to be directed at poles 2) melting of ice sheets (obvious ) 3) thermal expansion 4) carbon levels
How will global warming affect Maldives and Bangladesh?
The Maldives and Bangladesh will be affected because sea levels will rise due to thermal expansion resulting in floods as there the land lies low. Initially they will be affected by storm surges which will flood their croplands with sea water, making them useless. Later the whole islands may be submerged.
What might happen to coastal tourist industries if sea levels continue to rise?
Coastal tourist industries will be underwater if sea levels continue to rise. Global warming is melting glaciers and causing thermal ocean expansion, so sea levels are rising. Low-lying countries and cities are being flooded, especially when there are storm surges.
How climate change could harm the biosphere?
Rising sea levels (due to ice melting & thermal expansion) - ecosystems destroyed,Rising temperatures- certain biomes will not survive (no water for plants & animals),Glaciers/ice-caps melting- polar bears forced to migrate & sea levels rise.
How does the organ affect each of the following levels of organization?
The answer will depend on the levels of WHAT!
What does thermal expansion of water mean and why is it relevant to the rising sea levels?
Thermal expansion relates to how things expand when they heat up and contract when they cool down. This also applies to the water in the ocean. The hotter it is, the more it expands, making sea levels rise.
Could have global warming had an impact on the tsunami in 2004?
Not directly. Climate does not affect earthquakes or tsunamis, however, it is possible that the tsunami came in on top of sea levels that were already higher due to melting ice and thermal expansion of the water.
Why do sea levels rise due to global warming?
Because of continental ice melting and thermal expansion o the water itself.
What factors affect sea level?
1) earths tilt, larger tilt will result in more sun to be directed at poles 2) melting of ice sheets (obvious ) 3) thermal expansion 4) carbon levels
How will global warming affect Maldives and Bangladesh?
The Maldives and Bangladesh will be affected because sea levels will rise due to thermal expansion resulting in floods as there the land lies low. Initially they will be affected by storm surges which will flood their croplands with sea water, making them useless. Later the whole islands may be submerged.
What might happen to coastal tourist industries if sea levels continue to rise?
Coastal tourist industries will be underwater if sea levels continue to rise. Global warming is melting glaciers and causing thermal ocean expansion, so sea levels are rising. Low-lying countries and cities are being flooded, especially when there are storm surges.
How can population levels affect desertification in Sahel?
how can population levels affect desertification
How climate change could harm the biosphere?
Rising sea levels (due to ice melting & thermal expansion) - ecosystems destroyed,Rising temperatures- certain biomes will not survive (no water for plants & animals),Glaciers/ice-caps melting- polar bears forced to migrate & sea levels rise.
How does a level wind mechanism work on an industrial winch?
how does A levels help you in the future? how does A levels help you in the future?
What affect ozone levels?
The ozone depleting substances affect ozone levels. They react with ozone to deplete it.
A period or rising price levels and an increase in real GDP?
An Economic Expansion
How does the organ affect each of the following levels of organization?
The answer will depend on the levels of WHAT!
