Steric sea level changes from ENVISAT and GRACE in the Nordic Seas

Abstract

Steric sea level changes are estimated over the Nordic Seas using ENVISAT (Environmental Satellite) altimetry and GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) gravity data. We have used altimetry data from the ENVISAT during October 2002 to October 2010, cycles 10 to 93, and the GRACE level 2 RL04 data released by GFZ (German Research Center for Geosciences) processing center during October 2002 to October 2010. It should be noted that some months are missing for the GRACE data set. Correction terms are applied to properly combine the altimetry and GRACE data, including the inverted barometer term, dynamic ocean and atmospheric terms and GRACE coefficients with degrees 0, 1, and 2 (with order 0). Finally, the steric sea level changes are derived over the Nordic Seas for October 2002 to October 2010.