Can We Fight Against Oceans Rising?
40% of the world’s population lives less than 100 km from the coast
(United Nations — 2020)
Over time, sea levels fluctuate. This results from alternating Glacial and Interglacial periods controlled by astronomic phenomenons.
The figure below shows the variation in this level over the last 150,000 years.
Whatever the cause of the current rise it will have damaging consequences for our future. As already mentioned, almost half the world’s population lives close to the coast.
That’s why it’s essential to put measures in place to guard against it the more we can.
What are the causes?
There are 4 causes of rising sea levels. The main one is, of course, melting glaciers and I won’t extend on it in this article.
Let’s look at 3 other lesser-known causes (and less impactful, of course):
- Thermal expansion: This is the second main cause of rising sea levels. As the Earth’s and Oceans’ temperatures rise, the volume of water expands.
When water is heated, individual water molecules absorb thermal energy, causing them to vibrate more rapidly. This thermal agitation leads to an increase in the space between molecules, resulting in an expansion of the water volume. - Oceanic currents: Changes in Ocean currents can redirect water mass to other locations, impacting the areas that will receive a larger volume of water.
- Tectonics: Since tectonic plates are constantly on the move. When two plates clash in opposite directions, one rises, and the other sinks.
In this case, either the oceanic plate rises or the continental plate sinks, leading to a rise in sea level.
(You can also see in this article how this phenomenon can create tsunamis.)
What are the consequences?
Here’s a map that simulates rising sea levels around the world. The main problem is easy to understand, but other consequences will follow.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of the problems that will follow coastal submersion:
- Migration: The relocation of populations is obvious. We’ll need to move farther inland, and as populations increase and land will decrease, the problem will arise sooner or later.
- Salinization of groundwater: 30% of our freshwater comes from the ground. Water is our most precious resource, and if sea levels rise, they will reach our aquifers, and the freshwater in these regions will no longer be usable.
- Ecosystem disruption: Some marine animals depend on coastal resources for their survival. If the availability of these resources is reduced, the entire food chain will be affected.
What are the solutions?
There are solutions to slow the rise in sea levels. Let’s look deep into some of them:
- Dikes and rock revetments: They are very useful for blocking strong waves. They protect the coast and slow erosion.
- Coastal Breakwater System: Located off the coast, they reduce wave energy. They are generally walls or perforated barriers. (see this article for learning more about this principle)
- Silting: This is a slowdown solution. The principle is to add sand where the waves have washed it away. We understand it can’t be used forever.
- Plants: Another solution for slowing down. Plants make erosion more difficult.
We can see that all the proposed solutions do not change the situation. The only way to slow the rate of sea-level rise is to slow global warming, which will reduce the amount of melting ice.
Thank you for your time!
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