Sea-level rise may be one of the consequences of global warming. To understand changes in sea level caused by the "greenhouse effect," we must understand the factors that have caused the sea level to fluctuate significantly throughout history.


This new volume explores current views among scientists on the causes and mechanisms of sea-level change. The authors examine measurement programs and make recommendations aimed at improving our understanding of the factors that affect sea level. It will be welcomed by scientists, engineers, and policymakers concerned about "greenhouse" issues and sea-level change, the environmental community, researchers, and students.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Sea-Level Change
Overview and Recommendations
The Record
1 Recent Changes in Sea Level: A Summary
2 North Atlantic Sea Level and Circulation
3 Large-Scale Coherence of Sea Level at Very Low Frequencies
4 Glacial Isostatic Adjustment and Relative Sea-Level Change
5 Quaternary Sea-Level Change
6 Graphic Analysis of Dislocated Quaternary Shorelines
7 Seismic Stratigraphic Record of Sea-Level Change
8 Long-Term Eustasy and Epeirogeny in Continents
Processes and Feedback
9 Could Possible Changes in Global Groundwater Reservoir Cause Eustatic Sea-Level Fluctuations?
10 Role of Land Ice in Present and Future Sea-Level Change
11 Sea Level and Climate Change
12 Long-Term Aspects of Future Atmospheric CO2 and Sea-Level Changes
13 Sea Level and the Thermal Variability of the Ocean
Future Measurements
14 Strategy for Future Measurements of Very-Low-Frequency Sea-Level Change
Index