Sea levels are rising due to three main causes: 1) thermal expansion as the oceans warm up, 2) melting of ice caps and glaciers, and 3) global warming which is increasing carbon dioxide levels and warming the planet. A case study of East Anglia, a low-lying coastal region in England, shows it is highly vulnerable to sea level rise as it is very flat. Flood maps indicate large parts of East Anglia would be flooded if sea levels continue rising.

1. Sea Level Rise
Case study of Sea Level Rise

2. How do we know sea levels are
rising?
Write the above question down and
answer it as you watch this video

3. Causes of sea level rise
1. Thermal expansion.
As water gets hotter it expands.
2. Melting of ice caps.
Polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers around the
world are melting, leading to more water in the
sea.
3. Global Warming
An increase of carbon dioxide (due to industrial
growth) is the root cause of sea level rise.

4. Case Study: East Anglia
• East Anglia is a very
flat, low lying region
on the east coast of
England.
• It is a very
vulnerable area to
sea level rise.

5. Case Study: East Anglia
• Complete the table using p158-9 as well
as the hand-out.

7. Floodmap
• Click here to see what would happen to
east Anglia with a sea level rise