Melting of ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica, a 3-foot rise in sea level by 2100?

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For years, scientists have talked about rising sea levels due to global warming - both from warm water expanding and the melt of ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica. Predictions for the average worldwide sea rise keep changing along with the rate of ice melt. Recently, more scientists are saying the situation has worsened so that a 3-foot rise in sea level by 2100 is becoming a common theme.

But the oceans won't rise at the same rate everywhere, said study author Jianjun Yin of the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies at Florida State University. It will be "greater and faster" for the Northeast, with Boston one of the worst hit among major cities, he said. So, if it's 3 feet, add another 8 inches for that region.

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Photos courtesy of AP Photo / Jeff Roberson, David Greedy / Getty Images, AP Photo / Iowa City Gazette, and Jonathan D. Woods

Original Source: Boston Globe and 24 October 2009 International Day Of Climate Action: Boston Under Water