A 20 Year Climate Data Record of Sea Level Change: What Have we Learned?
Abstract
Much has been made of the 20-year climate data record of sea level change that has been assembled from the satellite altimeter record. But what have we learned from this record? This presentation will summarize our current understanding of sea level change based on the satellite altimeter record, the satellite gravity record, and the tide gauge record and other in situ measurements. The rate of sea level rise was 50% higher during the first decade as compared to the second decade, which has been widely attributed to ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) variability, but a broader interpretation of this result is lacking. One important fact we have learned from these observations is that the 20-year altimeter record occurs during a remarkably unusual time in the 100+ year sea level record. As a result, we must ask ourselves how this affects our interpretation of the altimeter record - are the changes we are observing short term or long term? Sorting out the natural and anthropogenic climate signals is a continuing challenge as we move into the future and look for answers to the many questions that remain. This is also an appropriate time to pause and ask if we have the measurements we need to answer these questions, or if new measurements are needed? Several new satellite measurement systems are planned - how will they enhance our understanding of sea level change? This paper will look back at the 20- year satellite altimeter record - but also look forward to measurements and discoveries yet to be made.
- Publication:
-
20 Years of Progress in Radar Altimatry
- Pub Date:
- September 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013ESASP.710E...5N