Sea level and Ocean Climate subgroup
Global sea level is rising at a rate of 2-3mm per year and it poses considerable threat to coastal populations. Studying sea level change involves combining the most advanced techniques of observation with complex models of the Earth and its oceans.
The Sea Level and Ocean Climate (SLOC) subgroup rises to this challenge. We study the past, present and future changes of sea level and land level. We use measurements of sea level from tide gauges and satellites, together with ocean and earth models and measurements, to understand past and present changes in sea level and land level and to produce better predictions of future change. We also use information from GPS and gravity measurements to monitor and understand land movement, and satellite gravity measurements to monitor how mass moves around the Earth so that we can improve our knowledge of the ocean dynamics associated with sea level change. The team develops computer models of tides and storm surges in order to deliver improved forecasting systems for coastal flooding. We work closely with academic partners and employ advanced statistical methods to deliver an improved statistical description of extreme coastal sea levels.
