Question

Geotour Worksheet S – Global Change

18. Sea Level Changes – New York City, NY. Leave Layers > 3D Buildings > Photorealistic turned on, and fly to the3.4 m (11 ft) tall "Wall Street Bull" statue in New York City using the Problem 18 placemark. Embedded in the placemark is a slider showing the effects of a 2 C and a 4 C rise in temperatures on sea level in the area around the "Wall Street Bull" (note that the base of the bull is approximately 7m – (21 ft) above present-day sea level). Move the slider back and forth in the placemark, and then select the answer that best describes what you see (elevations are in m).
a. 2 C - water would be 7 m higher than present-day (bull’s hooves in water) whereas 4 C water would be 10.5 m higher than present-day (covering the bull).
b. 2 C - water would be 4 m higher than present-day (down the street) whereas 4 C water would be 10 m higher than present-day (bull’s tail is above the water).
c. 2 C - water would be 10 m higher than present-day (bull’s tail above the water) whereas 4 C water would be 15 m higher than present-day (covering the bull).
d. 2 C - water would be 2 m higher than present-day (don’t see the water) whereas 4 C water would be 7 m higher than present-day (bull’s hooves in water

Answer 1

The Geotour Worksheet S – Global Change is c. 2 C - water would be 10 m higher than present-day (bull’s tail above the water) whereas 4 C water would be 15 m higher than present-day (covering the bull).

Step-by-step explanation:

By observing the slider effects in the Geotour Worksheet S – Global Change option c, it's evident that with a 2 C rise in temperatures, the water level would be 10 m higher than present-day, indicated by the bull's tail above the water. In contrast, a 4 C rise in temperatures would result in the water being 15 m higher than present-day, with the bull completely covered. This assessment aligns with the observed changes in sea level as the temperature increases, and it emphasizes the potential impact of global temperature rise on coastal areas, such as New York City.

Understanding the implications of sea level changes due to temperature variations is crucial in addressing climate change concerns, especially for coastal cities. This visual representation allows for a tangible grasp of the potential consequences of temperature-induced sea level rise. The significance of this exercise lies in its ability to convey complex environmental scenarios in a comprehensible manner, fostering awareness and understanding of the potential effects of global climate change on specific geographic locations.