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Glaciers, Ice Sheets, and Sea Levels

Melting glaciers and rising seas reshape coasts and communities. The National Academies study climate dynamics, ice processes, and adaptation strategies for coastal resilience.

What's happening

Is human-driven climate change causing the sea levels to rise?

Based on Science

Global average sea level is increasing due to melting land ice and expansion of warming seawater, both caused by global warming.

Mar 11, 2026
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Featured Publications

Featured work

Ocean Decade U.S.

Representative Activity

In Progress

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space (CESAS)

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Review of Progress Toward Implementing the Decadal Survey-Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Emerging Research Questions in the Arctic

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

The Future of Arctic Sea Ice Research in Support of Seasonal-to-Decadal Prediction

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Himalayan Glaciers, Hydrology, Climate Change, and Implications for Water Security

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Sea Level Rise in California, Oregon, and Washington

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Units

Center for Health, People, and Places (CHPP)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Earth Systems and Resources Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Tide area looks like a Earth, Rock fragments like a continent.

Gulf Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Polar Research Board

Standing Committee

In Progress

Marine Board

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Climate Crossroads

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Standing Committee on Environmental Science and Assessment for Ocean Energy Management

Standing Committee

In Progress
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