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Effects of Global Warming on Coastal Zones and Sea Level |
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Current scientific research regarding the effects of global warming points
out the immediate as well as far-reaching consequences of this phenomenon.
According to scientists, the rising temperatures of the earth’s surface would
spell doom for the planet in the long run. The consequences of global warming on
the coastal zones are one of the major concerns among scientists. Rise in sea
levels, a direct impact of global warming, is the key factor threatening the
coastal areas of the world.
Global warming refers to the gradual rise in temperature of the earth’s surface.
The increase in temperature is responsible for the meltdown of the ice-covered
regions of the world. The Arctic and Antarctic ice caps and the mountainous
glaciers are the worst hit by the phenomenon of global warming. The heat melts
down the glacial ice and causes natural disasters like flood. The meltdown of
ice caps due to global warming also contributes to the increase in seawaters.
The sea level rise as an after effect of global warming is also because of the
thermal expansion of water. The water absorbs heat and expands thus causing rise
in sea levels. Moreover, water, under the effect of global warming, also
evaporates quickly leading to frequent cloud formation and increased rainfall.
Sea level rise, as an effect of global warming, is a threat to the low-lying
coastal areas. With the increase in sea level, these areas become prone to
flooding and even complete sub-mergence under water.
Majority of scientists opine that the surface temperature of the earth would
rise by 2º F to 9º F within the next 50 years due to global warming. The
phenomenon of global warming would result in disastrous climatic changes. The
meltdown of the ice caps in the Polar Regions because of global warming would
expose the tundra vegetation. The ice in the Polar Region reflects back sun’s
heat. With the absence of the ice cover, the seas surrounding the area would
absorb the heat faster and in increased amount.
The coastal zones of the world are mostly populated because of reasons like
fertile soil, opportunity for the development of fishing and shipping industry
and so on. Global warming and the subsequent rise in sea levels would cause
frequent floods in the coastal zones. The effects of global warming would be
first felt on these coastal zones. Some scientists also consider the possibility
of complete annihilation of the coastal areas by the increased seawaters, an
obvious impact of global warming.
Marine life is also adversely affected by the phenomenon of global warming.
Biodiversity is affected as the rise in water temperature leads to the
destruction of habitat of various aquatic species. The marine life in the waters
surrounding the Polar region is the worst affected by global warming because of
the rapid increase in the heat absorption by the waters.
The effects of global warming need to be checked immediately to save the planet
from destruction. Removal of the root causes of global warming is the only way
to eradicate the problem. Controlling the emission of greenhouse gases, which
lead to atmospheric ozone layer depletion, is the chief method of countering the
adverse effects of global warming.
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