Seasonal Fluctuations of Mean Sea Level at Gizan, Red Sea

Abstract

Hourly sea levels recorded for the period (1992-1994) from a tide gauge at Gizan have been analyzed for low frequency oscillations. The major tidal constituents were identified and tides are described as semi-diurnal. Monthly mean sea level variations show higher levels in winter and lower in summer with a range of 40 cm. The local oceanographic and meteorological factors that control the sea level variability were investigated. Results indicate that the seasonal changes of sea level are highly correlated with steric effects, evaporation rates and long-shore wind stress component. A multiple regression model was proposed to explain the observed fluctuations in the mean sea level at Gizan.