Why will sea level rise?
If the Earth’s atmosphere warms, the upper layers of the oceans will also warm. Like most substances, water expands when heated. Expansion will raise sea level. Land-based ice in temperate regions such as South America and North America will melt more rapidly. Glaciers may retreat. Melting also contributes to increased sea level. The net effect on sea level rise from ice changes in Greenland and Antarctica is likely to be small.
If the Earth’s atmosphere warms, the upper layers of the oceans will also warm. Like most substances, water expands when heated. Expansion will raise sea level. Land-based ice in temperate regions such as South America and North America and Greenland will melt more rapidly. Glaciers may retreat. Melting also contributes to increased sea level.
