Final answer:
Large bodies of water like oceans contribute to more moderate climates in coastal areas due to their thermal properties. Global warming is leading to sea level rise through glacial meltwater and thermal expansion, which affects coastal communities. Oceans also impact global weather patterns, including precipitation and climate, due to heat transport and storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Large bodies of water, like oceans and large lakes, have a significant impact on the climate of coastal communities. The thermal properties of water, which heats and cools more slowly than land, lead to moderate climates in coastal areas. These regions typically experience smaller temperature fluctuations both daily and seasonally, in comparison to interior landmasses. Additionally, global warming is causing sea levels to rise due to glacial meltwater and thermal expansion, further complicating the climate effects on coastal communities. The warmth of oceanic currents is transported across vast distances, affecting the weather patterns far inland as well.
As the planet warms, the rise in sea levels can lead to the inundation of shorelines, which poses challenges for coastal cities. This rising sea level can increase the impact of storm surges, putting infrastructure at risk. The warming of oceans also contributes to the continued melting of polar ice, which can disrupt the supply of freshwater and bring about long-term changes to global precipitation and climate patterns. Hence, the oceans play a crucial role in moderating global climate and the long-term implications of climate change.