The elevation of sea levels poses direct threats to which of the following?

Sea level rise primarily poses direct threats to coastal communities due to their proximity to the ocean. As sea levels rise, these areas experience increased flooding, more severe storm surges, and erosion, which can lead to property damage, loss of infrastructure, and displacement of populations. Coastal communities often have a higher population density and critical infrastructure such as ports and transportation networks that are at risk.

In contrast, mountainous regions, inland ecosystems, and desert environments are generally less affected by changes in sea levels, as they are located further from coastal areas. This makes them less vulnerable to the immediate impacts of rising sea levels, such as flooding and erosion associated with the ocean. Therefore, the impact of sea level rise is significantly more pronounced in coastal areas, making them the correct choice in this context.