Ten Feet

The Antarctic peninsula is melting faster than previously believed.  A ten foot sea level rise is expected over a period of 200 to 1000 years, but could happen in as little as 100 years.

Meanwhile, sea level along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. jumped 5 inches between 2009 and 2010 possibly due to changing ocean currents.

Update (March 16):  Chris Mooney reports that the Totten Glacier in East Antarctica is melting rapidly due to contact with warmer sea water underneath.  The ice it holds back could contribute eleven feet of sea level rise.

Update (August 27):  NASA reports that sea levels rose an average of 3 inches since 1992 and that 3 feet is essentially unavoidable.