By Rod Hill on 2011-05-16
At least one computer model estimates a 3 - 5 feet rise in the world oceans by the year 2100.
The ice of Greenland and the rest of the Arctic is melting faster than expected. In fact, long range climate models which often over project, cannot keep up with just how quickly the ice is disappearing. Some reports indicate, rising sea levels could produce some of global warming's worst damage. Oceans will not rise uniformly worldwide, but low-lying areas such as Florida could be hard-hit.
Latest reports find that Greenland lost ice in 2004-2009, four times faster than in 1995-2000. Arctic sea ice continues to shrink in summer coverage. Latest predictions call for the ocean to be nearly ice-free by late summer in 30-40 years. Information released by NOAA shows a steady rise in sea level since 1950. The last 60 years has see roughly an 8" rise. While each year does not show a rise, an upward trend is still believed to be in place.
As many of you realize, reports of global warming and ice melt are considered by some to be controversial. Reports disputing the above likely exist. I choose to relay data I find accepted and passed on through NOAA, a government agency that oversees the National Weather Service.
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