Sumatra Tsunami

Sea level instrumentation

Tides and sea level analysis

Updated versionInterpret observational data to confirm or deny the arrival of a tsunami, and to determine its strength and arrival time at the observation site

A broad but sound understanding of the instrumentation used to identify sea level changes.

A sound understanding of the theory of tides and sea level; sea level observing systems and quality control of sea level data.

Description of performance criteriaCompare observed and forecast sea level data to

confirm or deny the arrival of a tsunamiInterpret observational data to determine

tsunami strength and arrival time at the observation site

Incorporate limitations and errors in the data based on instrument response, accuracy and exposureSources of error include responses of different

instruments, exposure in relationship to tsunami direction, reliability of instrument

Required underpinning knowledge, skills & systems

The ATWS Sea Level Observation System (ASLOS) - comprising coastal based sea level stations and deep ocean tsunami detection buoys

The theory of tides and sea level; sea level observing systems and quality of sea level data.

Regional variationsDiffering sea level gauge types Exposure of individual instruments with

respect to the direction of the tsunami

Underpinning knowledge, skills and systemsInstrumentation used to identify sea level

changes - characteristics and accuracies, oceanic and coastal instruments

The ATWS Sea Level Observation System (ASLOS) - comprising coastal based sea level stations and deep ocean tsunami detection buoys

Accuracy and limitations of the data – characteristics, exposure and reliability of individual observation sites

Sea level data access systems and site information

Key Learning Resources To be added