2 February 2006webindia123.com
The world's worst fears about global warming, and the consequent rise in sea-levels may one day become a reality, according to a recent research carried out on the subject.
According to an Australian climate change research published a few days ago, the average level of the oceans have risen by 19.5cm since 1870 and the rate is ever progressing. It has provided evidence of the 20th-century acceleration in sea-level rise, and supports predictions the world's oceans will rise 31cm above 1990 levels by 2100.
According to the author of the study, CSIRO chief research scientist, John Church, it was now clear there would be significant sea-level rise without major changes to human behaviour.
"Clearly, sea-level rise will be reported in metres unless we have a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions," Dr Church told The Australian.
The study was conducted with CSIRO scientist Neil White using data from tide gauges and satellite measurements, and the results vindicated sea-level rise projections by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate.
"Although predicted by models, this is the first time a 20th-century acceleration has actually been detected," Church added.
The study claims that the sea level rose an average 16cm during the 20th century, with a rough year-on-year increase of 1.7cm.
The rise in sea level dates back to as early as the first half of the 19th century, when the global sea level was about 20cm below current levels. (ANI)
