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What happens to streams that flow to the ocean when glaciers melt and sea levels rise?

asked
User PemaGrg
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1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

As glaciers melt, added meltwater and expanding seawater from rising temperatures cause sea levels to rise, which can inundate stream outlets, alter stream flows, and lead to flooding of coastal regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When glaciers melt and sea levels rise, streams that flow to the ocean can be significantly affected. The increased volume of water caused by both the addition of meltwater from glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms can lead to the inundation of shorelines. This means that the outlets of streams may become submerged, altering their flow patterns, and potentially causing them to back up or change course. Additionally, low-lying coastal ecosystems and human communities along these stream paths may face flooding, and in some cases, streams may no longer reach the ocean due to the rising sea levels.

answered
User Tebesfinwo
by
8.4k points
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