Question

world-wide sea levels are expected to rise mostly due to which process? increased rainfall all over increased hurricanes everywhere thermal expansion of ocean water

Explanation:

To determine the main cause of global sea - level rise, we analyze each option:

1. "Increased rainfall all over": Rainfall adds water to the ocean, but it's not the primary long - term driver of sea - level rise on a global scale. The amount of water added by rainfall is relatively small compared to other processes and also has a more local impact.
2. "Increased hurricanes everywhere": Hurricanes are extreme weather events. They can cause temporary storm surges, but they do not contribute significantly to the long - term, global rise in sea levels.
3. "Thermal expansion of ocean water": As the Earth's temperature rises (due to global warming), ocean water expands. This thermal expansion, along with the melting of land - based ice (like glaciers and ice sheets), is a major contributor to the long - term rise in global sea levels. Among the given options, this is the most significant process for global sea - level rise.

Answer:

The correct option is the one with "thermal expansion of ocean water". (If we assume the options are labeled as follows: Let's say the first option is A. increased rainfall all over, the second is B. increased hurricanes everywhere, the third is C. thermal expansion of ocean water, then the answer is C. thermal expansion of ocean water)