havnivåovervåking

Havnivåovervåking is the ongoing process of measuring and recording the height of the ocean's surface. This is crucial for understanding climate change and its impact on coastal areas. Satellites equipped with radar altimeters are the primary tools for global sea-level measurements, providing data across vast ocean expanses. These satellites send out microwave pulses and measure the time it takes for them to return after reflecting off the ocean surface, thus calculating the precise distance. In addition to satellites, tide gauges located along coastlines offer continuous, localized measurements of sea level. These instruments have a long historical record, providing valuable long-term data.

The data collected from havnivåovervåking is used to identify trends in sea-level rise, which is a direct consequence of global warming. Warmer temperatures cause seawater to expand (thermal expansion) and contribute to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, adding more water to the oceans. Analyzing these trends helps scientists predict future sea-level rise and assess the risks to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Understanding these changes is essential for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the challenges posed by a rising sea level.