Final answer:
Without specific data points from the graph, the pattern of data indicating how the water level changes each hour cannot be determined. The given context lacks details to accurately describe whether water levels increase by a certain number of inches or by a factor each hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of data in the graph is not clearly described within the context provided, so we cannot determine if it is increasing by a certain inch or factor each hour. For such a graph, usually one looks at the increase or change per unit of time on the x-axis (in this case, each hour), and the corresponding increase or decrease on the y-axis (in this case, the water level). In order to describe the pattern of the data correctly, we would need the specific values at different times from the graph in question.
If the water level were increasing by a constant amount each hour, we would describe it as linear growth (Answer A or B). If it were increasing by a constant factor, it'd represent exponential growth (Answers C or D). Without the specific data points, we can't select the correct pattern.
When a statement mentions that the water level increases by a factor, this would usually imply a multiplicative pattern, common in exponential functions. Sea level rise mentioned in the provided context, does indicate an increasing pattern, often associated with climatic changes leading to glacier and polar cap melting.
The rate of such an increase would be analyzed similarly, looking at consistent changes over time, taking into account various environmental factors.