What is global mean sea level?

This is the average height of the entire ocean surface. Global mean sea level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting land-based ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

What are we looking at?

The plot shows global change in sea level since 1993, as observed by satellite altimeters. The black line tracks the measurements, while the blue line shows how much uncertainty is associated with these measurements. Data shown are the latest available, with time needed to allow for processing (a lag of up to 4 months).

Note: The data shown in the plot does not include the glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). The data with GIA applied can be downloaded using the link below the plot.

Why do we care?

Global mean sea level is an important climate indicator, providing information on how the ocean is warming and how much land ice is melting. Global sea levels have been rising for decades in response to a warming climate. The annual rate of rise – or how quickly sea level rise is happening – has also increased from 0.08 inches/year (0.20 centimeters/year) in 1993 to the current yearly rate of 0.17 inches/year (0.44 centimeters/year). Data on this increase in the rate of global sea level rise is critical to planners understanding the trajectory of future sea level rise. More information on the importance of the 30-year satellite record and data on the trajectory of global mean sea level can be found here.

Reference: Willis, Hamlington, Fournier, 2023.

Reference: Beckley et al., 2017; GMSL dataset

Missions

Satellite Altimetry (TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason I, II, III, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich)