Although sea level has risen, these islands have increased in size

Tuvalu is a state of the Pacific Ocean formed by atolls, and one of the four Polynesian countries. This area has long been considered to be one of the most threatened by the consequences of climate change, especially rising sea levels, which could lead to the disappearance of all these islands. But, a study by the University of Auckland in New Zealand has revealed something that has completely baffled scientists.

Using satellite imagery, researchers have analyzed the evolution of Tuvalu's atolls from 1971 to the present day. And what they have discovered is that, although sea level has risen four millimeters per year, most of them have not only not lost ground, but have even increased in size.

The land area has grown an average of 2.8% in eight of the nine atolls that make up this nation. Most surprising of all, they have observed the same phenomenon on other islands and reefs in the Pacific. But how can this be possible?

First of all, it must be explained that the researchers themselves do not want this finding to be misinterpreted and used to trivialize the consequences of climate change. Regarding the possible causes of this curious phenomenon, scientists believe that it is due to the fact that this area of the Pacific is still a geologically very sensitive area, and that many of its islands are still in the process of growth and formation.