As our oceans warm, sea levels rise

Sea levels have risen about 25cm since the beginning of the 20th century and are predicted to rise by 90cm by the end of this century
 

SEA LEVEL RISE, 1880-2020

Change in sea level (mm)

Oceans absorb more than 90% of heat trapped by human-produced greenhouse gases, causing sea level to rise

Thermal expansion: As water warms, its molecules move and interact more, causing water to occupy more space

Increased heat causes melting of ice sheets and glaciers


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Sources: NASA Global Climate Change, NOAA, Earth Day
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