Introduction

Abstract

The SEASAT images of the highly unlevel ocean surface shown in Figures 1 and 2, with their inspiring visualisation of the gravity field as a potential cause for sea-level (SL) change (but at what scales?), nicely express the tension and fascination of the general objective of SL research: to know and understand past and future SL/sea-surface changes. Experts from a wide range of disciplines are involved or interested in answering one or both of the questions implied (how? why?) and/or in scientific or practical application of those answers. This multidisciplinary engagement in producing and consuming SL-study results relates primarily to three factors: (i) the wide spectrum and interrelationships of possible causes of SL change, (ii) the variation in the nature of SL change evidence (records), and (iii) the fact that SL itself is a variable in process-response systems that are studied for reasons of applied or academic interests.