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Global mean sea level from altimetry

This indicator of global mean sea level derived from the multiple ocean satellite altimeter missions is calculated by AVISO. Please see their site for the data sources and method of calculation.

There is a general upward trend in global mean sea level. This reflects both a warming and therefore an expansion of the ocean, and changes in land ice volume and continental water.

Local changes in sea level can be very different from the global mean sea level change (see below; also sourced from AVISO).