Question

Sea level rise is a major concern of the changing climate. The global variation in ocean volumes results from

a) Changes in fish populations
b) Ocean acidification
c) Thermal expansion and melting ice
d) Changes in ocean currents

Answer 1

Sea level rise primarily results from thermal expansion and the melting of ice, with repercussions such as the inundation of shorelines and the alteration of ecosystems. Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The global variation in ocean volumes that results from thermal expansion and melting ice is a primary contributor to sea level rise. When the water temperature in the oceans increases, it causes thermal expansion because warmer water occupies a larger volume due to decreased density. Additionally, melting glaciers and polar ice caps significantly contribute to the overall rise in sea level by adding previously frozen water into the ocean.

Between 1993 and 2010, the rate of sea level increase was estimated to be between 2.9 and 3.4 mm per year, much of which can be attributed to these factors. The consequences of rising sea levels include the inundation of shorelines, reducing the size of islands, and altering the natural freshwater cycle, thus impacting various ecosystems and human populations.