Looking back, and looking forward: a NASA career in glaciology

NASA glaciologist Eric Rignot reflects on a long, high profile career, and the upcoming launch of the NISAR satellite. Full story ›

New light on the future of a key Antarctic glacier

Thwaites Glacier is melting rapidly but not as fast as earlier research predicted, according to a new NASA study using a more realistic computer model. Full story ›

NASA discovers a new mode of ice loss in Greenland

A NASA study finds during Greenland's two hottest summers on record, ice in Rink Glacier didn't just melt faster, it slid through the glacier's interior in a gigantic wave. Full story ›

NASA expands survey of Arctic ice

A NASA research plane covers new ground while monitoring changing conditions in the polar region. Full story ›

A 'sea' of new data: Oceans Melting Greenland

Scientists and the public are invited to explore measurements by radar, ocean probes and other instruments to track changing glaciers. Full story ›

Global Mean Sea Level

3.4

± 0.4
mm/yr
Ocean Mass

1.8

± 0.3
mm/yr
Steric Height

0.8

± 0.2
mm/yr
Greenland Ice Mass Change

287

± 21
Gt/yr
Antarctica Ice Mass Change

125

± 39
Gt/yr

Understanding Sea Level

NASA keeps track of sea level change and its causes from space. Find out more about how NASA satellite observations help our understanding of this complex topic.

Causes

Observations

Projections

Adaptation

Learn more about why sea level is rising, the different causes, current and past rates.

Learn more about Causes

Understanding Sea Level

NASA keeps track of sea level change and its causes from space. Find out more about how NASA satellite observations help our understanding of this complex topic.

Causes

Learn more about why sea level is rising, the different causes, current and past rates.

Learn more about Causes ›

Observations

Learn more about how sea level is measured, the different types of observations, measurement techniques, and how data can be merged to form a long-term climate record.

Learn more about Observations ›

Projections

Learn more about how models forecast the future of sea level, and how different components contributing to sea level change are predicted to evolve over time.

Learn more about Projections ›

Adaptation

Learn more about various efforts and plans of coastal communities to adapt to rising seas.

Learn more about Adaptation ›

Research and Resources

Data Search

Data Tools

Data Analysis Tool - Beta Version

Analyze NASA data with the Data Analysis Tool. Perform regional statistical analysis, time series analysis and comparison.
Virtual Earth System Laboratory

The Virtual Earth System Laboratory includes simulations related to glaciers, ice sheets, sea level and solid earth.