Sea Level

GROUND DATA: 1870-2013

Data source: Coastal tide gauge records. 
Credit: CSIRO
data graph

Sea level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms. The above graph, derived from coastal tide gauge data, shows how much sea level changed from about 1870 to 2013.

SATELLITE DATA: 1993-PRESENT

Data source: Satellite sea level observations.
Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Rate of Change
3.3
millimeters per year
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This graph tracks the change in sea level since 1993 as observed by satellites. Data shown are latest available, with time allowed for processing. (Source)

Note: You now need to create an Earthdata account to access NASA's sea level data. Register here for free. Once logged in, click "HTTP" under the "Satellite Data" chart on this page to access the data.

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