What has been observed about global sea level trends over the past century?

Over the past century, global sea levels have been observed to rise approximately 10-25 centimeters, which is a significant trend attributed to various factors related to climate change. Melting ice sheets and glaciers, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms, are the primary contributors to this increase in sea level.

The rise poses various implications for coastal communities, ecosystems, and weather patterns. Accurately capturing the extent and implications of sea-level rise is crucial for managing risks related to flooding, erosion, and habitat loss in coastal areas. This information underlines the importance of monitoring trends in sea level as part of hydrographic surveying, helping to inform policy and planning decisions that aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

While sea levels can exhibit fluctuations due to weather patterns or local conditions, the overarching trend over the past century has been a gradual and consistent rise rather than a constant level, significant decrease, or unpredictable fluctuations.