Why do sea levels rise as it gets warmer?
Oceans absorb heat from the atmosphere. As the atmosphere warms, so too do the oceans. When water is warmed, it expands, causing sea levels to rise. In addition, as the temperature of the oceans and atmosphere increases, so glaciers and small ice sheets melt, releasing water into the oceans and contributing to sea level rise. In addition, the UK and northern Europe are still responding to the melting of ice sheets that covered the land during the last Ice Age. Mainland Britain is slowly tilting, with South and East England slowly sinking into the sea and the North West and Scotland rising. Sea level rises around the UK would increase the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. Back to TOP Why think about how climate change will affect us now, when its effects wont be felt for many years? The earlier you find out the likely impacts, the more options you have for adapting, including taking advantage of opportunities. This is particularly important when it comes to major investment decision
