New Delhi: That sea levels will rise with increasing ocean temperatures has been known to scientists for a long time.
Now, a study has found that rise in sea level rise is likely to disproportionately affect some Asian megacities, western tropical Pacific islands and the western Indian Ocean during this century, reported PTI.
The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, has found Chennai and Kolkata to be among cities that may face especially significant risks by 2100 if high levels of greenhouse gases continue to be emitted.
The research team also identified Bangkok, Manila Yangon and Ho Chi Minh City to be at similar high risk. and Manila.
The researchers studied the effects of natural sea level fluctuations on projected rise due to climate change. It was done by mapping sea level hotspots around the world.
The study incorporates naturally occurring sea level fluctuations caused by events like El Nino or changes in water cycle, a process known as internal climate variability.
The scientists used a computer model of global climate as well as a specialised statistical model to determine the extent to which natural fluctuations can amplify or reduce the impact of climate change on sea level rise along certain coastlines.
Sea levels are known to rise with increasing ocean temperatures mainly because water expands when it warms and melting ice sheets release more water into the oceans.
