 Earth's increasing temperature is causing sea level to rise. You've probably heard how warming causes ice and snow to melt, adding water to the ocean. But there's another reason for higher seas. As Earth warms, the ocean absorbs heat, causing sea water to expand. The water takes up more space when it's warmer. This is called thermal expansion. The rate of rise is increasing as the rate of climate warming increases. Coastal communities have begun adapting, like building levees and putting houses on stilts. Rapid sea level rise can cause coastal erosion and flooding and can increase the salinity of rivers, bays and drinking water. The good news is that reducing climate change will also reduce sea level rise.