Lavnivå

Lavnivå is a term used in hydrology, meteorology and maritime contexts to describe a designated low water level. The term exists primarily in Scandinavian languages, with lav meaning low and nivå meaning level. In practice, lavnivå refers to the lowest routinely observed water level in a given measurement series or the lowest allowable level used for planning and design. It is not a single physical phenomenon but a statistical indicator derived from long-term observations and chart datums.

Measurement and references: Lavnivå is typically expressed relative to a chart datum or other local reference level. It is estimated from historical records and hydrographs and may be seasonal or multi-year in character. It can be influenced by tides, river flow, precipitation, evaporation and atmospheric pressure.

Applications: The concept is used in harbor and port management to determine dredging requirements and safe navigation depths, in drainage and flood risk planning, and in water resource management during droughts. It also informs agricultural and industrial operations sensitive to water availability.

Relation to other terms: Lavnivå is related to but distinct from lavvann (low tide) and from mean sea level or local chart datum. It is one of several reference points used to characterize water levels for engineering, environmental, and safety purposes.

See also: Low tide, mean sea level, chart datum, hydrograph, water level monitoring.