InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Section 2: Introduction to Coastal Zone Hazards: Long and Short-term Processes of Change and Their Impacts on Society > Module 4: Understanding Sea Level Change
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Module 4: Understanding Sea Level Change

Introduction

What is sea level?

As can happen in science, seemingly simple ideas like sea level aren't exactly the easiest thing to define. It is a concept that depends on numerous factors that interact to produce a given sea level at a given time at a given location. In general, sea level (and sea level change) depends on things like the shape of the Earth, the rotation of the Earth, variations in Earth's gravitational field, and a host of other factors that will be explored in this module.

The short YouTube video that follows helps explain what sea level is and how sea level is measured today. The video clip was published on Nov. 25, 2013 by minute physics.

The video is well-done but raises questions that might not have been answered. It might be good to re-watch the video to make sure you understand what is being shared; but continue reading this module, and we will see if we can help you with the challenging parts.

You can also take a look at How Sea Level Changes Affect Coastal Planning (NOAA)for more information.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »