The Nonlinear Pattern of Sea Levels: A Case Study of North America

Abstract

Here I analyze the relative sea level signals from the tide gauges of North America. Linear and parabolic fittings are used to compute relative rates of rise and accelerations. There are 20 long-term-trend (LTT) tide gauges along the (Pacific) West Coast of North America. The average relative rate of rise is -0.38 mm/year, and the average acceleration is +0.0012 mm/yearc. There are 33 LTT tide gauges of the (Atlantic) East Coast of North America. The average relative sea level rise is 2.22 mm/year, and the average acceleration is +0.0027 mm/year2.