6 months ago
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View of debris from houses destroyed by rising sea levels and coastal erosion associated with climate change two years ago in the community of El Bosque in Nuevo Centla, Tabasco state, Mexico (Reuter image) (Representative photo).
NEW DELHI: As several parts of the world, including India, grapple with severe heatwaves exacerbated by the
El Niño
phenomenon,
oceans
are experiencing significant changes too. New data indicates that global
sea levels
are rising at an accelerating rate, posing an increased threat of
flooding
and coastal erosion.
Recent analysis shows that the global average sea level rose by 0.76 centimeters between 2022 and 2023 alone.
Experts describe this as a substantial increase, attributing it to a warming climate and the emergence of a strong El Niño event.
NASA
’s comprehensive study, which spans over 30 years of satellite observations since 1992, highlights a significant trend in rising sea levels. Data from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich mission, launched in November 2020, reveals that sea levels have risen approximately 9.4 centimeters since 1993. The rate of increase has accelerated from 0.18 centimeters per year in 1993 to 0.42 centimeters per year currently.
Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of NASA's sea level change team, predicts that sea levels could rise an additional 20 centimeters by 2050. This anticipated rise is nearly double the increase observed over the past century, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding events worldwide.
The interplay between El Niño and La Niña cycles also influences sea levels. La Niña, characterized by cooler Pacific waters, tends to lower sea levels by redistributing rainfall from the ocean to the land. In contrast, El Niño, with its warmer Pacific waters, raises sea levels by increasing oceanic rainfall. While these cycles cause temporary fluctuations, they overlay a long-term trend of rising sea levels driven by
global warming
.
To measure these changes, researchers employ radar altimeters that send microwave signals to the ocean surface and receive them back, allowing precise calculations of sea level. These measurements are corroborated with data from tide gauges and other satellite instruments.
This detailed and collaborative international dataset enables scientists to understand the complexities of global sea level changes. By integrating information on ocean temperatures, ice loss, and land movements, researchers gain comprehensive insights into the ongoing impacts of
climate change
on our oceans and coasts.
As the world continues to warm, the findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching effects on the planet.
