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EXPLORE THE SCIENCE

Behind every headline about sea level rise is decades of rigorous scientific research. This page brings together findings from leading institutions like NASA, NOAA, and IPCC to help you understand not just what’s happening - but why. Dive deeper into the science that drives awareness, policy, and solutions.

The Science Behind Sea Level Rise

 

Long-Term Satellite Monitoring

  • NASA’s satellites like TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-3 track sea level changes globally with millimeter accuracy

  • Data shows global sea level has risen about 8 inches since 1880, and the rate is accelerating

  • Modern missions combine radar altimetry with GPS to track ice sheet loss, sea surface temperature, and ocean mass

 

Climate Models and Projections

  • NOAA and IPCC use global climate models to forecast different sea level scenarios

  • Projections range from 1 to 8 feet of rise by 2100 depending on emissions

  • Models consider greenhouse gas levels, polar melt rates, and regional land movements

 

Ocean Heat Content

  • More than 90% of excess atmospheric heat ends up in the oceans

  • Increased ocean heat expands water volume (thermal expansion), raising sea level

  • This is measured by Argo floats — thousands of robotic devices that monitor temperature and salinity

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Greenland and Antarctic Ice Loss

  • Both ice sheets are losing mass at alarming rates due to surface melt and glacial retreat

  • NASA’s GRACE satellite mission detects gravitational changes linked to ice mass loss

  • Antarctic ice loss alone has increased sixfold since the 1970s

 

Why the Science Matters

  • Scientific research gives us the tools to forecast, prepare, and adapt

  • Understanding data helps guide smarter infrastructure planning and coastal protection

  • Trust in evidence-based science strengthens community resilience and global collaboration

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