Explain and discuss the causes of MSLR (Mean Sea Level Rise)

This question draws on knowledge from the IB Topic : Consequences of Global Climate Change- Sea level section. Tip- Impress your examiner by showing awareness of how the causes of sea level rise are very different at either local or global scales. This is best done by structuring your essay to firstly deal with global causes and then focus on local causes. An example answer following this methodology could include the following: 1) Global Mean Sea level rise causes: Steric (driven by + temperature driven) and Eustatic drivers (driven by + water volume). Increased CO2 in atmosphere leads to higher temperatures, warmer water occupiers greater volume... Glacier melt as well as Ice sheet melt however note that Ice bergs do not affect sea level. Depleting groundwater reserves- more water in ocean, less on land- counter balanced by building of dams?.... 2) Regional or Local Mean Sea Level Rise causes:GIA-Glacio-Isostatic Adjustment - A diagram is best to describe this. - Case study = England which is subsiding. Overpumping of groundwater supplies of cities -Leads to local subsidence and thus a increase in Relative Sea Level (RSL). Case study = Bangkok, Jakarta etc...An excellent answer would also make an attempt to critically evaluate the causes of MSLR and perhaps put forward an argument that sea level rise has a strong geospatial signature and does not occur uniformly across space.

Answered by Jordi B. Geography tutor

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