Question

Which of the following mechanisms of sea level change is NOT eustatic? (A) Changes in global temperature(B) Changes in seafloor spreading rate(C) Formation of continental glaciers and ice caps(D) Desiccation of an ocean basin(E) Glacial isostatic subsidence and rebound

Answer 1

Answer:

(D) Desiccation of an ocean basin

Explanation:

The eustatic changes of the sea level are the ones that are connected with the changes of the volume of the ice sheets and glaciers, and the ones that are connected with changes on the ocean floor caused by geological activities. This being said, we can say that the global changes in the temperature will fall into this category as they influence the volume of the ice sheets and glaciers. The isostaic subsidence and rebound occur because of the ice sheets, with the subsidence occurring when the ice sheets press the plate, while the rebound when the ice sheets are melting and the pressure is no more present. When it comes to the geological changes of the sea floor, we have the ocean floor spreading at the mid-ocean ridges as a prime example, which is causing the movement of the tectonic plates, thus influencing the shape and size of the oceans.