Changes in sea level in the German Bight

Abstract

Summary. Tidal data recorded in the German Bight over the last 200 yr show that MHW (mean high water) has risen by about 20 to 30 cm per century. Corresponding data on maximum flood levels over the last 400 yr show a similar increase of approximately 25 cm per century. At Cuxhaven, the graph of maximum annual water levels drawn from 150 yr of continuous recordings reveals a long term oscillation superimposed on the progressive linear increase in water levels. This oscillation has a period of roughly 80 yr and extrapolation suggests the next peak should occur around 1985. These rates of increase in sea level over recent centuries are compared against the perspective of much longer term trends. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved