Lanka at risk of sea rise

14 July 2010 10:51 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sea levels are rising unevenly in the Indian Ocean, placing millions at risk along low-lying coastlines in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, scientists say in a study.

Researchers from the University of Colorado and the National Center for Atmospheric Research say the rising sea levels are caused in part by climate change and are triggered by warming seas and changes to atmospheric circulation patterns.

In his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize last year, U.S. President Barack Obama warned that if the world does nothing to confront climate change, "we will face more drought, famine and mass displacement that will fuel more conflict for decades".

The authors of the latest study say higher seas could exacerbate monsoon flooding, placing crops, homes and livelihoods at greater risk. They argue a better understanding of the changes are needed to improve risk assessment planning for the future.

Sea levels in general are rising globally by about 3 mm (0.1181 inch) a year. Scientists blame rising temperatures caused by the growing amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Oceans are absorbing a large part of this extra heat, causing them to expand and sea levels to rise. Warmer temperatures are also causing glaciers and parts of the ice blanketing Greenland and West Antarctica to melt.

The team of researchers in their study used long-term tide gauge data, satellite observations and computer climate models to build a picture of sea level rises in the Indian Ocean since the 1960s.

They found that sea-level rise is particularly high along the coastlines of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka, Sumatra and Java and that these areas could suffer rises greater than the global average.

But they also found that sea levels are falling in other areas. The study indicated that the Seychelles Islands and Zanzibar off Tanzania's coast show the largest sea-level drop. (Reuters)

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Comments - 18

Cool Guy Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:26 AM

Although they are attached to each other.. they will not have the same height. Don't think that the sea is just like a fish tank in your house..

Tonpacha Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:58 AM

Now the flood plains of Kalu ganaga are already infiltered with sea water destroying thousands of acres of paddy fields.

malkanthi Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:07 AM

Will start building an Ark that can take two by two of all species excluding politicos!

Karthik Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:53 AM

Everything is on the rise in this island except human rights

malkanthi Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:22 AM

The increasing air pollution is causing damage to the ozone layer, the result is global warming, ice is melting, the super powers are watching, islands are submerging. Nobody wants to find a solution!

PARAMANATHAN.K Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:21 AM

Government will have more reclaiming projects like that of Galleface project. More the merrier.

Ham Wednesday, 14 July 2010 05:37 PM

This report should also state that this is caused by a movement of the tectonic plates. Looks like the Indo-Australian plate is shifting downwards.

Sumal Wednesday, 14 July 2010 12:34 PM

Yes we were trying single handedly to slow this process.

hejey Wednesday, 14 July 2010 12:34 PM

not only to beach resorts, but with open swimming pools

bugger Wednesday, 14 July 2010 10:56 AM

Is the parliment going under water?

Dee Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:26 AM

Oh! so now our homes can be converted to beach resorts. !
We all better get serious about the environment or else the repercussions will come pretty soon.

Mr Serious Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:22 AM

this is no joke people. earth is getting older and tired of the abuses caused by human behavior. better do our part to reduce our carbon foot print.

Messenger Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:17 AM

cant you all think about the problem without linking politics into everything

SidathB Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:13 AM

UN has other priorities. They are not bothered in taking any action on countries (Japan ,US, Australia, etc)engaged in violation of environmental treaties in a major scale

Amaris Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:13 AM

Simple solution, Get a loan at high interest and build dykes along the sea coast.

Indika Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:08 AM

This is a unbelievable finding. Because each sea is attached to another. If one goes high, all will go same height up.

Saman Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:06 AM

UN has to answer for this? What will Mr Moon do for this..

DHA Wednesday, 14 July 2010 11:06 AM

Freaky....!!!....but i hope it takes away all our dirty politicians....!!!

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Lanka at risk of sea rise

Comments - 18

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