Sea level rise is a cumulative response to warming oceans and melting ice. Even a modest increase in global temperature can cause the water column to expand and glaciers to retreat, adding metres of water to coastlines over decades.
Two dominant processes drive the rise: thermal expansion, quantified by a coefficient (Ξ±) that relates temperature change (ΞT) to volume increase, and the contribution from ice melt (I). The simple linear model ΞSL = Ξ±Β·ΞT + I captures the firstβorder effect of these drivers.
By entering local baseline sea level, projected temperature increase, regional expansion coefficient, and estimated iceβmelt contribution, this widget estimates the additional seaβlevel height (ΞSL) and the total projected sea level for a chosen future year.
\alpha = thermal expansion coefficient (m/Β°C)
\Delta T = temperature increase (Β°C)
I = iceβmelt contribution (m)
What is thermal expansion in the context of sea level rise?
How does ice melt contribute to sea level rise?
What is the formula used in this calculator?
Can this calculator predict future sea levels?
What factors are not considered in this model?
How accurate is this calculator’s projection?
Can I use this calculator for long-term projections?
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
