Sjønivåavvik

Sjønivåavvik refers to deviations from the average or expected sea level at a specific location. These variations can occur over various timescales, from short-term fluctuations caused by weather patterns to long-term changes driven by climate.

Short-term sjønivåavvik are often influenced by meteorological factors. Wind can push water towards or away from coastlines, leading to higher or lower sea levels, a phenomenon known as storm surge. Atmospheric pressure also plays a role; lower pressure can cause sea levels to rise slightly, while higher pressure can lower them. Tides, the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun, are also a significant contributor to daily sjønivåavvik.

Longer-term sjønivåavvik are primarily linked to global climate change. Thermal expansion of seawater, where ocean water expands as it warms, is a major factor contributing to a rise in global mean sea level. The melting of glaciers and ice sheets adds significant volumes of water to the oceans, further increasing sea levels. Conversely, geological processes like tectonic uplift or subsidence can also cause localized changes in relative sea level over much longer geological timescales. Understanding sjønivåavvik is crucial for coastal management, infrastructure planning, and predicting the impacts of climate change on coastal communities.