Geography 2050 (2020) The 10 Greatest Challenges Facing the World Ocean: Sea Level Rise

Summary

Dr. Gino Passalacqua discusses sea level rise implications for coastal conservation and surf ecosystems, emphasizing its non-uniform impact globally and the increasing frequency of high tide flooding.

Highlights

🌊 Sea level has risen between 21 and 24 centimeters since 1880, with varying impacts across regions.

🌍 Factors contributing to sea level rise include thermal expansion, melting ice sheets, and glacier melt.

📊 Measurements utilize tidal gauges, ground stations, and satellite data like radar altimetry and gravimetry.

🌡️ Steric height and ocean mass contribute to an average rise of 3.3 millimeters per year.

🏄 Surf ecosystems are affected by coastal erosion and potential loss of surfable breaks due to sea level rise.

🔍 Save the Waves Coalition focuses on protecting and preserving coastal environments, particularly surf zones, through various initiatives.

🔄 Strategies like natural adaptation and seawalls are considered in mitigating the effects of sea level rise on surf ecosystems.