Concepts and Terminology for Sea Level: Mean, Variability and Change, Both Local and Global

TLDR

Changes in sea level are among the most severe impacts of anthropogenic climate change and attract significant scientific and policy attention. This paper aims to define and clarify sea‑level concepts and terminology to improve communication in sea‑level science. The authors provide definitions, physical and mathematical explanations, cross‑disciplinary links, distinctions, new terminology, and supporting formulae and diagrams.

Abstract

Changes in sea level lead to some of the most severe impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Consequently, they are a subject of great interest in both scientific research and public policy. This paper defines concepts and terminology associated with sea level and sea-level changes in order to facilitate progress in sea-level science, in which communication is sometimes hindered by inconsistent and unclear language. We identify key terms and clarify their physical and mathematical meanings, make links between concepts and across disciplines, draw distinctions where there is ambiguity, and propose new terminology where it is lacking or where existing terminology is confusing. We include formulae and diagrams to support the definitions.