Articles | Volume 22, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-501-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-501-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 11 Feb 2026
| 11 Feb 2026
Observation-based quantification of physical processes that impact sea level
Sjoerd Groeskamp
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Royal NIOZ Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands
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We studied the long-term mean flow through the Marsdiep tidal inlet in the Dutch Wadden Sea. We found that this flow, which is important for sediment, salt and nutrient balances, is reversing from net outflow to inflow. We hypothesise changes in tides in the North Sea caused this, due to increased stratification in response to global warming. Hence, we expect permanent inflow conditions within 1 decade, with potential effects on the sediment balance and the ecosystem of this World Heritage Site.
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Short summary
We can accurately estimate sea level height using sattelites and measurements, but we don’t understand all the processes that change sea level. Such as the impact of ocean mixing or how sunlight penetrates into the deep ocean This study quantifies the magnitude and uncertainty of many such processes. We find that sea level rise is not understood in detail and we need more ocean observations to improve our understanding, because these processes will impact future sea level rise.
We can accurately estimate sea level height using sattelites and measurements, but we don’t...
