Sea Level 101
What is sea level, how is it changing, and how can coastal communities plan for the future? These questions and more are answered in this introduction to sea level change and its impacts.
For coastal communities and habitats, the ocean plays an important role in daily life by continually reshaping our coastal environments. As our coasts become increasingly developed, coastal change, and particularly sea level rise has become a pressing issue for many coastal communities.
Sea Level 101 provides an introduction into the how and why of sea level rise, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to address the challenges coastal communities face from rising seas. Whether you are a student, a concerned citizen, or a policymaker, Sea Level 101 is a guiding resource to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of sea level rise.
Sea Level Explained: Causes, Effects, and Actions
Global Sea Level Rise
What causes sea levels to rise globally?
moreLocal Sea Level Change
Why aren’t sea levels changing the same everywhere?
moreHow We Measure
How do you measure changes in sea level?
moreImpacts
What impacts can happen from sea level rise?
moreFuture Sea Level
What does sea level rise look like in 2030, 2050, and beyond?
moreWhat Can We Do?
What can we do to help limit the impacts from sea level rise on our community?
moreAdapted from Sea Level 101 on earth.gov (U.S. Sea Level Change, a coordinated effort of NASA, NOAA and partner agencies). Figures and videos are credited in their captions.