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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Photo: Sea Level May Rise 40 Percent Higher Than Predicted, Study Says


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The Arapaho Glacier in Colorado's Rocky Mountains retreated dramatically between 1898 and 2003, likely contributing to sea level rise. But the physics of how melting glaciers and other factors affect sea level rise is still poorly understood.

A new model uses observational data gathered during the 20th century to predict the effects of global warming on sea level. The study suggests that sea level will rise 40 percent higher by 2100 than previous predictions have suggested.

Photographs courtesy NASA