The graph below shows the mean sea level trends in Stockholm, Sweden: Chart. Mean Sea Level Trend graph shows mean sea level trend is negative 3. 81 millimeters per year with a 95 percent confidence interval of plus or minute 0. 32 millimeters per year based on monthly mean sea level data from 1889 to 2011, which is equivalent to a change of negative 1. 25 feet in 100 years. © NOAA. Gov 2020 What reasons could be causing the trend shown in the graph above?
A)Expanding seafloor and constant ocean volume
B)Warming ocean temperatures and thermal expansion
C)Melting glacier ice and seafloor spreading
D)Coastal land subsidence and thermal expansion
B) Warming ocean temperatures and thermal expansion.
The correct answer is B) Warming ocean temperatures and thermal expansion.
The trend shown in the graph, which indicates a negative sea level change, is caused primarily by the warming of ocean temperatures and subsequent thermal expansion. As the global climate changes and temperatures rise, the ocean waters also get warmer. This causes the water molecules to expand, resulting in a rise in sea level.
It is important to note that while thermal expansion is the main driver of the sea level rise shown in the graph, other factors such as melting glacier ice and land subsidence can also contribute to regional variations in sea level trends. However, they are not the primary reasons for the trend shown in this particular graph.