Author Question: Briefly describe the observed changes in the world's oceans as a function of increased mean ... (Read 65 times)

APUS57 · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Briefly describe the observed changes in the world's oceans as a function of increased mean atmospheric temperature.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the processes currently responsible for worldwide sea level rise. How will these changes in sea level affect coastal nations?

What will be an ideal response?

johnharpe · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Changes that have been observed in the oceans due to global warming include increased ocean temperatures, changes in deep-water circulation, melting of polar ice, increase in ocean acidity, and rising sea level. These changes in the ocean will continue for centuries.

Answer to Question 2

Two main factors contribute to the global rise in sea level: (1 ) thermal expansion of ocean water as it warms and (2 ) an increase in the amount of water in the ocean from the melting of ice on land. Note that the melting of floating sea ice (such as in the Arctic Ocean) or floating ice shelves (such as those that fringe Antarctica) does not contribute to sea level rise because that ice/water is already in the ocean. More specifically, in order of their overall contribution to the observed global rise in sea level (Figure 16.31 ), the main contributors are: 1. The melting of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets; 2. The thermal expansion of ocean surface waters; 3. The melting of land glaciers and small ice caps; 4. The thermal expansion of deep-ocean waters