The data shows that global mean sea level has risen a total of about 4 inches (9.4 cm) since 1993.
A long-term sea-level dataset shows that ocean surface heights continue to rise at ever-faster rates.
Average global sea level rose by about 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) from 2022 to 2023, this is a relatively large jump mainly due to the warming climate and the development of a strong El Niño phenomenon. The total rise is equivalent to draining a quarter of Lake Superior into the ocean over the course of a year.
This NASA-sponsored analysis is based on a sea-level dataset spanning more than 30 years of satellite observations, beginning with the US-France TOPEX/Poseidon mission, which launched in 1992.
The data shows that global mean sea level has risen a total of about 4 inches (9.4 cm) since 1993.
The rate of this increase has also accelerated, more than doubling from 0.07 inches (0.18 cm) per year in 1993 to the current rate of 0.17 inches (0.42 cm) per year.
“Current rates of acceleration mean we are certain to add another 20cm to global mean sea level by 2050, doubling the amount of change over the next three decades compared to the previous 100 years and increasing the frequency and impact of flooding in peoplesaid Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of NASA’s Sea Level Change Group and Ocean Physics Program in Washington.
Global sea level has seen a significant jump from 2022 to 2023 mainly due to changing conditions brought about by La Niña and El Niño.
A mild one La Niña from 2021 to 2022, led to lower than expected sea level rise that year.
A strong El Nino in 2023 contributed to an increase in mean sea level.
La Niña is characterized by cooler than normal ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
El Niño involves higher than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.
Both periodic climate phenomena affect rainfall and snowfall patterns as well as sea levels around the world.
“During La Niña, rain that normally falls on the ocean falls on land, temporarily removing water from the ocean and lowering sea levelssaid Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
“During El Niño years, much of the rain that normally falls on land ends up in the ocean, temporarily raising sea levels».
Source: Skai
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
