Ocean Water Levels Continue to Rise

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 22, 2021) – In a recent study, Professor Igor Zurbenko and colleague Amy Potrzeba-Macrina analyzed global temperature data in order to forecast global water level patterns over the next several decades. The global temperature data collected indicated that temperature will continue to increase around the world, including Arctic and Antarctic regions.  

Data of average global monthly temperatures was collected at 927 locations and subsequent temperature curves were created for Antarctic and Greenland locations. Linear extensions of the temperature curves for these locations were then extended to 2050. The linear extensions revealed that there will be an increase in temperature within the range approximately 3°C to 9°C in Antarctica and Greenland locations in particular.    

Zurbenko explained the significance of the projected temperature change in these regions by accentuating its implications. “Global warming is causing melting ice, which in turn causes more water evaporation, which causes the greenhouse effect. Thus, an accelerating effect in melting ice and rising water levels is easily possible,” describes Zurbenko.    

Rising ocean water levels have considerable effects on the Earth’s climate and the health of its inhabitants. Increasing water vapors in the atmosphere are also responsible for extreme weather events, such as tornados, floods and hurricanes. “An increase of 1 foot may cause serious problems in coastal areas, but an increase of up to 3 feet could be catastrophic for many global regions,” says Zurbenko.