Linear trends of zonally averaged thermosteric, halosteric, and total steric sea level for individual ocean basins and the world ocean, (1955–1959)–(1994–1998)

Abstract

We present estimates of the linear trends of zonally averaged fields of thermosteric, halosteric, and steric sea level by pentads (1955–1959)–(1994–1998) for individual ocean basins and the world ocean. The Atlantic is characterized by density compensating linear trends in the thermosteric and halosteric components of steric sea level change. Northward of approximately 45°N the halosteric trend acts to increase steric sea level and the thermosteric trend acts to decrease sea level. Southward of 45°N these two terms are reversed in sign. Similar to the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean is characterized by density compensating trends at most latitudes, a major exception being 28°S–38°S. The Pacific is different from the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The two components act in concert to change sea level in the same way with the exception of the 34°N–45°N and 22°S–38°S regions.