Sea level: measuring the bounding surfaces of the ocean

Area of Science:

• Geodesy
• Oceanography
• Climate Science

Background:

• Tide gauge records are among the longest instrumental ocean observations, essential for understanding coastal sea level.
• Geological data and tide gauges have enabled the identification of century-scale global sea level rise.
• Satellite altimetry missions provide crucial data on sea level rise rates, causes, and spatial variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the contributions of geodesy to understanding sea level change.
• To examine the role of the sea surface and Earth's crust in sea level variability.
• To highlight the necessity of stable, long-term observation systems for accurate regional assessments and future predictions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical tide gauge data.
• Integration of geological constraints.
• Utilization of satellite altimetry data.
• Geodetic measurements of sea surface and Earth's crust.

Main Results:

• Confirmation of century-scale global sea level rise.
• Identification of factors contributing to the rates and spatial variability of sea level rise.
• Demonstration of the need for robust, long-term monitoring systems.

Conclusions:

• Geodesy plays a vital role in understanding sea level change.
• Accurate assessment of regional sea level changes and future projections require stable, long-term observation systems.
• Continued monitoring integrating sea surface and Earth's crust data is essential.