Globally many coastal cities and islands are at the risk of submerging due to rise in sea level. The rise in sea levels is linked to two primary factors, both induced by global warming,
Thermal expansion:
The oceans are absorbing more than 90% of the increased atmospheric heat associated with greenhouse gas emissions. When water heats up, it expands. The ocean water expands to fill a greater volume and thereby takes up more space. This is called thermal expansion and it is responsible for one-third of the sea-level rise, according to studies.
Melting of glaciers and ice caps:
Warmer temperatures cause land-based ice such as glaciers and ice sheets to melt, and the meltwater flows into the ocean to increase sea level. Melting ice causes about two-thirds of the rise in sea level.
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