3. Physical Oceanography

Sea Level Change — Quiz

Test your understanding of sea level change with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

Which climate phenomenon causes cyclic, basin‐scale sea‐level variability of up to 20 cm on decadal timescales?

Question 2

Given a global mean sea‐level rise of 3.2 mm yr⁻¹, and knowing thermal expansion contributes one‐third of this since 2004, what is the thermosteric component? Show calculation.

Question 3

Halosteric sea‐level change arises due to variations in which ocean property?

Question 4

In Stockholm, Sweden, glacial isostatic adjustment causes crustal uplift of ≈10 mm yr⁻¹. If the global mean sea‐level rise is 3 mm yr⁻¹, what relative trend would a local tide gauge record? Show calculation.

Question 5

What is the primary methodological advantage of satellite radar altimetry over tide gauges in measuring sea‐level change?