Tengervízszintemelkedés

Tengervízszintemelkedés refers to the rise in the average level of the world's oceans. This phenomenon is primarily driven by two main factors linked to global climate change: the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets on land.

Thermal expansion occurs because water, like most substances, expands when its temperature increases. As the planet warms, the oceans absorb a significant portion of this excess heat, causing the water molecules to move further apart and occupy more volume. This increased volume directly contributes to a higher sea level.

The second major contributor is the melting of land-based ice. Glaciers and ice caps in mountainous regions and the vast ice sheets covering Greenland and Antarctica are losing mass at an accelerating rate. The water from this melted ice flows into the oceans, adding to their total volume and consequently raising sea levels. Rainfall and changes in groundwater storage can also have minor influences, but the dominant forces are thermal expansion and ice melt.

The consequences of sustained sea-level rise are far-reaching. Coastal communities face increased risks of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. Low-lying islands and delta regions are particularly vulnerable, with potential for displacement of populations and significant economic impacts. Understanding and monitoring tengervízszintemelkedés is crucial for developing adaptation and mitigation strategies to address its effects.