Sea-level changes: Consequences for the Southern Hemisphere

One of the measurable symptoms of man-induced climatic change is a global rise in mean sea-level. A review of the suggested mechanisms for sea-level rise is given, supported by a critical discussion of present predictions and predictive models. The data base on which these predictions are based is geographically inhomogeneous and particularly sparse in the Southern Hemisphere. Some preliminary work which has been done on the possible environmental impact of sea-level rise on coastal areas is described, but very little of this is for Southern Hemisphere countries. It is suggested that since the Southern Hemisphere has particular observational requirements because of a higher ratio of ocean to terrestrial areas, particular attention in international monitoring programs be given to it. This has special relevance to sea-level measurements in hostile environments such as off Antarctica.