(CNN) More than 830 miles above Earth's surface, a next-generation satellite will keep an eye on global sea levels. Once in orbit, the pickup truck-size satellite will track global sea level for the next five and a half years. Together, the twin satellites will carry the tradition of continuous monitoring of sea level rise into a fourth decade. Understanding the global sea level can help scientists track ocean currents as they transfer heat across the planet. The rate of sea level rise has increased over the last 25 years, and it will continue to in the future.

Source: CNN November 21, 2020 09:00 UTC