Programmes (GLOSS)

Introduction

Although the tide gauges of the global sea level observing programme are important for establishing an indicator of climate change at the world scale, Woodworth et al. (2004) clearly underline that the scientific, economic and social interest lies especially in the local variations in sea level that diverge significantly from the global mean. Observation systems at all levels are necessary in an environment which is turbulent, and which in essence is difficult to predict. Already in France, at the regional level, projects are appearing concerning local tide gauge networks under the auspices of local government (ex. the Charente-Maritime departement, the PACA region, French Polynesia). This section describes the programmes to which the SONEL data contribute.