Global Sea Level Rise
Since 1880, global mean sea level has risen by ~24 cm. The rate is accelerating: from 1.4 mm/yr (1901–1990) to 3.6 mm/yr (2006–2024). Satellite altimetry provides millimeter-precision measurements since 1993.
~24 cm
Cumulative global mean sea level rise from tide gauge and satellite records.
3.6 mm/yr
Rate from 2006–2024. More than double the 20th century average of 1.4 mm/yr.
3.4 mm/yr
Rate from satellite altimetry (1993–2024). TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1/2/3, Sentinel-6.
0.6–1.1 m
IPCC AR6 projected range under SSP5-8.5 (high emissions). Higher if ice sheets destabilize.
Global Mean Sea Level: 1880–2024
Combined tide gauge reconstruction (1880–1992) and satellite altimetry (1993–2024). Sea level is relative to the 1995–2014 mean. The acceleration after 1990 reflects increasing ice sheet contributions and ocean thermal expansion.
What's Causing Sea Levels to Rise?
Thermal Expansion — 42%
As the ocean absorbs over 90% of excess heat from global warming, seawater expands. This thermal expansion accounts for the largest single component of observed sea level rise. The ocean has absorbed ~380 zettajoules of heat since 1970.
Ice Sheet Loss — 35%
Greenland and Antarctica are losing ice at accelerating rates. Greenland lost ~270 billion tonnes/yr (2002–2023). Antarctica lost ~150 billion tonnes/yr. Combined, ice sheets now contribute more to sea level rise than mountain glaciers.
Glacier Melt — 21%
Mountain glaciers worldwide are in rapid retreat. The European Alps, Himalayas, Andes, and Alaska have all lost significant ice mass. Since 1961, glaciers have contributed ~30 mm to global sea level rise.
Sea Level Rise Is Not Uniform
Due to ocean currents, gravitational effects of ice sheets, and vertical land motion, sea level rise varies significantly by region. Some areas experience rates 2–3× the global average.
Western tropical Pacific experiencing the fastest rates globally due to trade wind intensification and ocean heat uptake patterns.
Louisiana and Texas seeing accelerated rise from a combination of subsidence, ocean warming, and Gulf Stream changes.
The globally averaged rate masks enormous regional variation driven by ocean dynamics and gravitational effects.
Post-glacial rebound (land rising from last ice age) partially offsets sea level rise in northern Europe.