Sea levels have shifted by hundreds of feet throughout Earth’s long history, influenced by many natural causes. Changes in Earth’s orbit led to ice ages and warmer periods, with the planet generally warming over the past 12,000 years. In the last century, human-driven global warming has added to these natural changes in sea levels.
While the idea of a global sea level helps us understand overall trends, it doesn’t always tell the full story. For example, in the United States’ Atlantic and Gulf coasts, sea levels are rising faster due to warmer waters and sinking land. In other regions, there is a dramatic fall.
This gallery explores some places in the country where sea levels are changing at an alarming rate. Interested? Click to learn more.