Reply to comment by J. F. R. Gower on “Response of the global ocean to Greenland and Antarctic ice melting”

Abstract

In his comment on “Response of the global ocean to Greenland and Antarctic ice melting” by Stammer [2008], Gower [2010] raises the valid point that the paper only addresses the steric response of the ocean to Greenland freshwater forcing and that conclusions drawn might be misleading. The subjects of sea level variability and change are certainly important and warrant more discussions, especially if it comes to the projection of future regional sea level variations and their regional aspects. I am therefore grateful for the opportunity to further elaborate on the matter.