Climate Change Link (Pleistocene → Present → Future)

What was the Pleistocene?

• Geological epoch from about 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago.

• Characterised by repeated glacial and interglacial periods.

How did glaciation affect global sea levels?

• Water stored in ice sheets.

• Eustatic sea levels fell by over 100 m during glacial maxima.

What happened to sea levels after the last Ice Age?

• Ice sheets melted.

• Eustatic sea level rose rapidly.

• Produced many modern submergent coastlines.

What is eustatic sea-level change?

A global change in sea level caused by changes in the volume of ocean water.

What is isostatic sea-level change?

A local change caused by land rising or sinking.

Example:

• Scotland rising after ice-sheet removal.

• Southern England sinking relatively.

How is climate change affecting coastlines today?

• Thermal expansion of oceans.

• Melting glaciers and ice sheets.

• Increased coastal erosion.

• Increased flooding risk.

How may future climate change affect UK coastlines?

• Higher sea levels.

• More frequent storm surges.

• Increased cliff retreat.

• Greater pressure for coastal management.

Why is the relationship between climate and coastlines synoptic?

Climate influences:

• Sea level

• Wave energy

• Sediment supply

• Coastal landform development