Global sea level trends are far from homogeneous in space or time. Satellite altimetry has made clear what tide gauges had hinted at for decades: sea level is rising, but not by the same amount everywhere. Indeed, significant areas of the globe, such as the NE Pacific, have shown a large mean fall in sea level during the altimetry period.

Climate models struggle to represent the variability seen in tide gauges and altimetry data. We know from the IPCC 4th Assessment Report that the variability between different model predictions on the regional scale is far greater than the variation between different scenarios within a given model.

Clearly our understanding of the processes driving variability in sea level is of fundamental importance if there is to be any skill in making future predictions. Regional climate changes also have significant implications for extremes and therefore coastal flooding.

This session aims to bring together scientists from across the range of disciplines interested in sea level science to examine the underlying processes or variability on different timescales from extreme events to decades and centuries.