Drivers of Sea Level Rise
Since 1900, global mean sea level has risen by roughly 20 centimeters. Currently, the rate is accelerating, reaching 3.4 mm per year. This is driven primarily by thermal expansion as oceans absorb >90% of excess heat, and the melting of land-based ice.
SSP Scenario SLR Projector
Data & Modeling
| Source | Contribution to SLR (1993-2018) |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion | 42% |
| Glaciers | 21% |
| Greenland Ice Sheet | 15% |
| Antarctic Ice Sheet | 8% |
Common Misconceptions
A frequent error in media interpretation is confusing localized transient effects with global secular trends. The figures demonstrated here isolate the multi-decadal signal from seasonal noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this reversible?
On human timescales, highly unlikely. The thermal inertia of the ocean means impacts will persist for centuries even if emissions cease immediately.
How accurate are these figures?
Based on the latest AR6 synthesis and prevailing primary literature. Uncertainties are inherent in coupled non-linear climate models.