The Level of the Oceans is Rising Due to Expansion

Question

The level of the oceans is rising due to expansion of water volume stemming from ____.  
A) ozone depletion
B) global warming
C) lost species biodiversity
D) increased precipitation
E) acid rain

Accepted Answer

The main cause of sea level rise is the warming of the oceans resulting from increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause global temperatures to rise (i.e. global warming). This warming causes the volume of water in the oceans to expand, leading to an increase in sea level. The other choices listed (ozone depletion, lost species biodiversity, increased precipitation, and acid rain) do not directly contribute to sea level rise.