A new analysis by NASA reveals that global sea levels rose more than expected in 2024, with the world’s seas rising by 0.23 inches due to an unusual amount of ocean warming and meltwater from land-based ice. This surpasses scientists’ predictions of a 0.17-inch rise.
The data is part of NASA’s ongoing monitoring of water levels using satellite imagery. According to researcher Josh Willis, “Every year is a little bit different, but what’s clear is that the ocean continues to rise, and the rate of rise is getting faster and faster.”
Rising sea levels are primarily caused by human-induced climate change, with oceans rising in line with the increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. Over a recent three-decade period, global sea levels have risen by four inches due to melting glaciers and polar ice caps.
However, in 2024, thermal expansion – the process of sea water expanding due to heat – became the primary contributor to sea level rise, accounting for two-thirds of the total increase. This year was also the warmest on record since 1850, with NASA stating that it “marks a turning point” in the ongoing warming trend.
The increased rate of sea level rise poses a significant threat to populations living on islands or along coastlines, and further greenhouse gas emissions will only exacerbate the problem.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-reports-sea-levels-rose-by-unexpected-amount-in-earths-hottest-year