The latest oceanic update points to a startling rise in global sea levels, leaving researchers scratching their heads. According to a recent analysis by NASA, the increase is outpacing previous expectations.
What’s Going On?
We’ve experienced unusual warming in our oceans paired with meltwater streaming in from land-based ice. This combination led to a surprising increase in sea levels—topping 0.23 inches this year, which is a jump from the previously estimated rate of 0.17 inches.
Josh Willis, a researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, remarked, “The rise we saw in 2024 was higher than we expected. Each year has its quirks, yet it’s evident that the ocean keeps rising, and increasingly so.”
The main culprit? NASA attributes a major part of this rise to the thermal expansion of warming ocean water. Traditionally, about two-thirds of sea level rise came from melting ice, with the other third from thermal expansion. But this year flipped the script—thermal expansion represented two-thirds of the increase.
Why Does This Matter?
Since NASA began using satellites in 1993 to track sea level changes, the average yearly rise has more than doubled, amounting to a total of four inches.
Authorities in Northern California are already witnessing the effects of rising sea levels on their environment. Additionally, a community of Indigenous people in Central America faces being uprooted due to increasing flood risks linked to sea level rise.
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Rising sea levels may also enhance storm surges as coastal water levels swell. As highlighted in a NOAA report, “Higher baseline water levels allow dangerous storm surges, such as those seen during Hurricane Katrina, ‘Superstorm’ Sandy, and Hurricane Michael, to reach further inland than before.” This rise in sea level can also cause more frequent high-tide flooding, often referred to as ‘nuisance flooding’—less about immediate danger but disruptive nonetheless.
What Can We Do?
Raising awareness about climate change is crucial. Chatting with friends and family about rising sea levels can emphasize the need for cooling our planet. Consider supporting candidates who prioritize environmental issues—it’s a step toward securing a better future for our Earth.
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This article on the ocean’s surprising changes first appeared on The Cool Down.
