UNDERSTANDING SEA-LEVEL RISE and VARIABILITY

Sea-level rise is one of the most obvious manifestations of anthropogenic climate change, and it directly threatens coasts as a result of increased erosion, more frequent storm-surge flooding and loss of habitat. However, the wide range of uncertainty in projections of global and regional sea-level rise presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a significant hindrance in agreeing to appropriate mitigation levels and in planning adaptation measures. A workshop in June 2006, organized under the auspices of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) to address this issue, led to publication of this book.

Understanding Sea-Level Rise and Variability identifies the major impacts of sea-level rise, presents up-to-date assessments of past sea-level change, thoroughly explores all of the factors contributing to sea-level rise, and explores how sea-level extreme events might change. It identifies what is known in each area and what research and observations are required to reduce the uncertainties in our understanding of sea-level rise so that more reliable future projections can be made. A synthesis of findings provides a concise summary of sea-level rise and its impacts on society. The book is for everyone interested in sea-level rise and its impacts, including policy makers, research funders, scientists, students, coastal managers and engineers.