March 21, 2024 by Jane J. Lee / Andrew Wang
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
NASA Study Reveals Accelerated Global Sea Level Rise Linked to Climate Change and El Niño
In a recent NASA-led analysis, findings indicate a notable spike in global sea levels in 2023, primarily attributed to a warming climate and the impact of a strong El Niño event. The rise, equivalent to draining a quarter of Lake Superior into the ocean over a year, underscores the escalating rates of ocean surface height increases observed over decades.
Key Points:
1. Global sea levels rose by 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) from 2022 to 2023, largely due to climate change and the influence of a robust El Niño.
2. Since 1993, there has been an acceleration in the rate of global sea level rise, more than doubling from 0.07 inches (0.18 centimeters) per year to 0.17 inches (0.42 centimeters) per year.
3. Long-term satellite datasets provide crucial insights into distinguishing short-term phenomena like El Niño from enduring trends in sea level rise.
4. El Niño and La Niña cycles play significant roles in influencing global sea levels, with El Niño events contributing to temporary increases due to warmer ocean temperatures.
5. Predictions suggest a further 20 centimeters of global mean sea level rise by 2050, amplifying the frequency and impact of floods worldwide.
6. Ongoing international cooperation and technological advancements, including radar altimeters, facilitate precise measurements of sea level changes, aiding in climate research.
This comprehensive study underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and mitigate its impact on rising sea levels, emphasizing the critical role of scientific research and international collaboration in understanding and addressing this pressing environmental challenge.