Type
Class activities
Theme
Ocean and Cryosphere
Also available in other versions: English version French version Spanish version

Lesson C2 - Thermal expansion of the ocean and sea level rise

 

MAIN SUBJECTS

Natural sciences

DURATION

Preparation: 15min

Activity: 1h–1h30

SUMMARY

The students carry out an experiment to ascertain how the thermal expansion of seawater contributes to sea level rise. A documentary analysis allows them to discuss the different impacts of sea level rise (on ecosystems and human communities).

KEY IDEAS

  • As the temperature of the atmosphere rises, so does the temperature of the ocean.

  • The global mean sea level has already risen around 15 cm since 1900. According to different scenarios, it will rise further – by between 25 cm and over 1 m by 2100.

  • Water, like all liquids, expands in volume when heated. This is called thermal expansion, and is one cause of sea level rise.

  • Due to sea level rise, coastal regions will increasingly be flooded, leading to coastal erosion.

  • In 2010, about 30 % of the global population lived less than 100 km from the ocean.

  • Coastal ecosystems are at risk of being altered or destroyed.

  • Saltwater may seep into groundwater. 

INQUIRY METHOD

Experimentation and documentary analysis

 

C2 EN

 

Multimedia activity:

Click on the animation to discover it 👇

sea

 

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