ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the scientific principles behind sea level rise. The relationship between physical and chemical interactions was the basis for explaining three main things: observations related to sea level rise, future predictions of the extent of sea level rise, and major coastal land features connected with sea level rise. It reviews the mechanisms behind sea level rise and discusses the geospatial considerations on how the physical characteristics of coastal areas impact sea level rise planning considerations. Tidal variations are a normal part of the boundary changes between the land and sea. Ecosystem impacts consider the effect of sea level rise on vulnerable coastal species and associated habitat. The ecological impacts of sea level rise in the future depend in large part on two factors: the extent of physical sea level rise and the physical features of the coastline. Geomorphology–the way the coastline looks–is an important consideration in understanding the potential impacts of sea level rise.
