Question

Which of these results in an increase in global sea level? [Select all that apply.]

-Melting of sea ice
-Increase in ocean temperature
-Rebounding of continents following retreat of the ice sheets
-Building of dams for flood control
-Melting of glaciers

Answer 1

Melting of glaciers and increase in ocean temperature due to global warming contribute to rising global sea levels, alongside continental rebound post-ice sheet retreat. Melting sea ice and dam building do not cause sea level rise.

Step-by-step explanation:

An increase in global sea level can result from the following: melting of glaciers, increase in ocean temperature which leads to thermal expansion, and the rebounding of continents following the retreat of ice sheets. However, the melting of sea ice and the building of dams do not contribute to sea level rise, as sea ice melting does not change sea level and building dams stores water on land.

Global warming contributes to sea rise by causing glaciers and ice caps to melt, adding meltwater to the ocean, and by expanding the volume of ocean water as it warms. This expansion and addition of water to the oceans increases sea levels, inexorably leading to the inundation of coastlines and the diminishment or disappearance of islands. These factors are compounded by geological changes such as land subsidence and uplift, affecting local sea levels uniquely.