How much sea level has risen in the US?

Grade level: 3rd – 4th

Skills: Measurement ( Length )

Related environmental issues: Climate Change

Area level: National

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Sea level has risen much of the U.S. coastline over the last 50 years. Sea level of some locations in Texas increased more than 8 inches. By 2010, it is expected that sea level at the U.S. eastern coast could rise by 15 inches. One of the main reasons of the sea level rise is an increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

  1. Sean wants to measure how much the sea level has risen at some locations in Texas. Which of these should he use? a) thermometer b) scale c) ruler d) stop watch
  2. Which is longer, 8 inches, 15 inches, or 1 foot?
  3. Which shows 8 inches, A or B?

Source: US EPA & NASA, 2015. Glacial Rebound: The Not So Solid Earth

Photo: WWF Canada

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Answer keys

  1. c) ruler
  2. 15 inches
  3. A