The changes in the open ocean influence the coasts in many ways. Sea level rise will challenge coastal infrastructure. The changes in the open ocean influence the coasts in many ways. Sea level rise will challenge coastal infrastructure. Changes in the temperature and circulation of the open ocean have a powerful influence on the coastal ocean, bays and estuaries.

• While the oceans are interconnected, they will change differently in different places and at different rates.
  
• What do we know about the relationship between open ocean and coastal ocean change?
  
• Which of these changes present the greatest risks?
  
• What will we need to learn to evaluate adaptation strategies?