Havsnivåhöjningseffekter

Havsnivåhöjning, or sea level rise, refers to the increase in the average global sea level. This phenomenon is primarily driven by two main factors linked to climate change. Firstly, as global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets, such as those in Greenland and Antarctica, melt at an accelerated rate, contributing significant volumes of water to the oceans. Secondly, as ocean water warms, it expands in volume, a process known as thermal expansion.

The consequences of sea level rise are far-reaching and impact coastal communities worldwide. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to increased flooding, both during normal high tides and storm surges. This can lead to erosion of coastlines, damage to infrastructure like roads and buildings, and salinization of freshwater sources, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Scientific observations and projections indicate that sea levels will continue to rise throughout the 21st century and beyond. The extent of future rise depends on the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting global temperature increase. Mitigation efforts to reduce emissions and adaptation strategies to manage the impacts are crucial for addressing this global challenge. Monitoring sea level changes provides vital data for understanding these trends and informing policy decisions.