The study indicates that large-scale melting of ice sheets during the early Holocene was closely linked to rapid temperature increases, with implications for future sea-level rise.

The findings aim to inform policymakers and scientists about potential future sea level increases due to ongoing climate change, which could severely affect coastal populations, as 15% of the global population lives near coastlines.

The study confirms that total sea level rise between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago was around 38 meters, resolving previous uncertainties in estimates that varied from 32 to 55 meters.

Recent research has shed light on the rate and magnitude of global sea level rise since the last ice age, approximately 11,700 years ago.

During two significant phases in the early Holocene, sea levels rose at rates exceeding one meter per century, contrasting sharply with the current rate of about 3 millimeters annually in the Netherlands.

The research involved extensive fieldwork, including the analysis of geological sequences and radiocarbon dating of peat layers, which helped constrain the timing and extent of sea-level changes.

Utilizing a dataset from the North Sea region, researchers developed a new sea-level curve for the early Holocene based on 88 data points, which enhances understanding of global sea-level rise linked to ice-sheet melting.

The rapid rise in sea levels during this period was primarily driven by global warming and the melting of vast ice sheets in North America and Europe.

Lead author Marc Hijma emphasized the importance of detailed data in understanding the interplay between climate, ice sheets, and sea levels, which is vital for climate adaptation efforts.

This research highlights the significance of the North Sea region in capturing the effects of global ice-sheet melting and sets the stage for future studies on sea-level rise and its impacts.

The research findings were published in the journal Nature, with contributions from various Dutch universities and geological services, promoting awareness about sea level rise.

As ice sheets continue to melt today due to global warming, understanding early Holocene sea level rise is crucial for current policymakers.