Simulated And Observed Sea Level And Ocean Mass Variations

Mass distribution in the global ocean, equivalently described in terms of Ocean Bottom Pressure (OBP), varies on a broad range of temporal and spatial scales. It can be measured either in-situ or from space with satellites. In-situ measurements are performed either directly with sensors placed on the sea floor or indirectly through the deformation of the Earth’s crust. Furthermore, ocean mass distribution can be modeled numerically. This work aims at combining measurements of OBP and sea-surface height with simulations to investigate physical processes which cause temporal and spatial variations of oceanic mass distribution. Gravitational Self-Attraction and Loading (SAL) of oceanic masses impacts OBP patterns particularly in the case of tides. In order to obtain accurate estimates of tidal amplitudes, frequencies, and phases, the consideration of SAL during the simulation of ocean dynamics is crucial. Additionally, the effects of oceanic, atmospheric, and hydrological loads on non-tidal mass variations have recently moved into the focus of research. These loads evolve more slowly and have smaller amplitudes, thus their importance is less obvious. In order to simulate the impact of SAL on non-tidal sea level variations, a setup of the globa