Mass-induced sea level variations in the Red Sea from GRACE, steric-corrected altimetry, in situ bottom pressure records, and hydrographic observations

• Published in: Journal of geodynamics Vol. 78; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Feng, W., Lemoine, J.-M., Zhong, M., Hsu, H.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2014
• Subjects: GRACE; Mass variations; Red Sea; Sea level variations; ISW, Red Sea; Red Sea; Mass variations; Sea level variations; GRACE
• ISSN: 0264-3707
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jog.2014.04.008

•Large seasonal mass variations in the Red Sea are detected using GRACE and steric-corrected altimetry.•In situ ocean bottom pressure records validate large mass variations in the Red Sea.•Horizontal water mass flux in the Red Sea is estimated from GRACE, steric-corrected altimetry, and hydrographic observations.
An annual amplitude of ∼18cm mass-induced sea level variations (SLV) in the Red Sea is detected from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites and steric-corrected altimetry from 2003 to 2011. The annual mass variations in the region dominate the mean SLV, and generally reach maximum in late January/early February. The annual steric component of the mean SLV is relatively small (<3cm) and out of phase of the mass-induced SLV. In situ bottom pressure records at the eastern coast of the Red Sea validate the high mass variability observed by steric-corrected altimetry and GRACE. In addition, the horizontal water mass flux of the Red Sea estimated from GRACE and steric-corrected altimetry is validated by hydrographic observations.