A study published in Nature has found that melting glaciers have contributed nearly 2 cm to global sea level rise since the start of the 21st century.
Other Key Findings:
- Massive Ice Loss: Glaciers lost ~270 billion tonnes of ice annually for 25 years (2000-2023).
- The largest contributors to glacier mass loss: Alaska, Canadian Arctic, Peripheral glaciers in Greenland, Southern Andes.
About Sea-Level Rise
- Definition: Sea level rise is an increase in the ocean’s surface height relative to the land in a particular location.
- Two primary reasons for Sea-Level Rise:
- Glacial and Ice Sheet Melting: Glaciers and ice sheets lose mass due to rising global temperatures.
- Thermal Expansion: As ocean temperatures rise, seawater expands, leading to an increase in volume.
Consequences of Sea-Level Rise
- Storm Surges and Natural Disasters: Higher-sea levels intensify storm surges and coastal flooding.
- Human Settlements: 15% resided within just 10 km of a water body, making them vulnerable.
- Freshwater Contamination: Rising seas contaminate freshwater supplies, affecting agriculture and drinking water sources.
- Coastal Flooding: Rising seas threaten low-lying areas, with 630 million people at risk of annual flooding by 2100.
Threats Due to Sea Level Rise in India
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