The current rise in global sea level is primarily attributed to which cause?

The current rise in global sea level is primarily attributed to the melting of glaciers, which is a significant contributor to this phenomenon. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, ice sheets and glaciers, particularly those in Greenland and Antarctica, are experiencing accelerated melting. When these ice masses melt, they release freshwater into the oceans, directly contributing to sea-level rise.

This process is critical because the volume of water added to the oceans from melting glaciers is substantial. In addition, the ongoing warming of the planet not only melts existing ice but also affects the stability of these glaciers, potentially leading to even more rapid contributions to sea-level rise in the future.

While the other options may influence sea levels to some extent, they are not currently the primary drivers. Increased precipitation can lead to temporary changes in sea level, but the long-term trend is more closely aligned with melting ice. Expansion of seawater due to warming, known as thermal expansion, does contribute to rising sea levels; however, the contribution from glacier melt is currently more significant. Lastly, changes in ocean currents can affect regional sea levels but are less impactful on global averages compared to the melting of glaciers. Thus, focusing on glacier melt provides the clearest understanding of the current dynamics involved in global sea-level