Gezeitengauges

Gezeitengauges, also known as tide gauges, are instruments used to measure the height of the tide. They are crucial for understanding coastal processes, navigation, and for scientific research related to sea level rise and climate change. Historically, simple devices like vertical scales fixed to a wall or a pier were used. As technology advanced, more sophisticated mechanical and electronic gauges were developed.

Modern gezeitengauges typically employ a variety of methods to determine water level. Float-type gauges use a float that rises and falls with the tide, connected to a recording mechanism. Still-well gauges utilize a vertical pipe with small holes at the bottom, which allows water to enter and exit slowly, effectively damping out wave action and providing a stable water level reading for the gauge inside. Pressure-based gauges measure the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water column above them, which is directly related to the water's depth. Satellite-based altimetry is also used for large-scale sea level monitoring, although these are not typically referred to as gezeitengauges in the traditional sense.

The data collected by gezeitengauges is vital for creating tide tables, which predict future tide heights. These predictions are essential for maritime activities, such as shipping and fishing, to ensure safe passage and efficient operations. Furthermore, long-term tide gauge records provide invaluable data for monitoring changes in mean sea level, a key indicator of global warming and its impact on coastal environments. Many gezeitengauges are part of national and international monitoring networks, ensuring consistent and comparable data collection worldwide.