Expansión térmica. Cuando el océano se dilata: Crónica de una subida anunciada
Keywords:
Climate change, Thermal expansion, Sea level, Ocean warming, oceanAbstract
Global warming, driven by the rise of greenhouse gases, leads to several consequences, one of which is the increase in sea levels. This happens either through thermal expansion or the melting of polar ice caps. Thermal expansion refers to the way water expands as temperatures rise, which contributes to the overall rise in sea levels. The oceans have taken in over 90% of the extra heat from global warming, acting as a sort of climate buffer. Data indicates a noticeable rise in ocean temperatures since 1955, with the last decade marking the warmest period on record. Thermal expansion accounts for roughly one-third of the global sea level rise, with estimates ranging from 30% to 50%. According to the IPCC, sea levels could rise between 0.28 and 1.02 meters by 2100, depending on different emissions scenarios. This rise can lead to flooding, coastal erosion, and threaten vital infrastructure and marine ecosystems. Given this situation, we need to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as enhancing coastal defenses, relocating at-risk infrastructure to higher ground, and managing our water resources wisely.
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