sea level

The land bridge remained until about 8,000 years ago, after the end of the last ice age, when rising sea levels eventually cut Tasmania off from the Australian mainland.

California expects an average statewide sea level increase of 0.8 feet in the next 30 years due to human-caused climate change.

“Climate change is threatening water resources, increasing challenges to food and fiber production, and compromising human health in the Southwest through drought, wildfire, intense precipitation, sea level rise, and marine heat waves,” Declet-Barreto said.

Historical records allude to cities in the region, he said, but the team did not expect to find a 12-hectare medieval city some 2,200m above sea level.

Climate change, a subject close to the King's heart, is expected to top the agenda at the meeting held in a part of the world very vulnerable to rising sea levels.