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When past temperatures were similar to or slightly higher than the present global average, sea levels rose at least 20 feet, suggesting a similar outcome could be in store if current climate trends continue. An international team of scientists assessed evidence of higher sea levels during several periods to understand how polar ice sheets respond to warming.
Combining computer models and observations from the geologic record, they found that during past periods with average temperatures 1 to 3 °C (1.8 to 5.4 °F) warmer than preindustrial levels, sea level peaked at least 20 feet higher than today. According to the team, the polar ice sheets are out of equilibrium with the present climate.Image credit: Antony Long
