Changing Sea Levels
Effects of Tides, Weather and Climate

A textbook that explains the causes of potentially devastating changes in sea level.

David Pugh (Author)

9780521532181, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 1 April 2004

280 pages, 117 b/w illus. 8 colour illus. 17 tables
24.4 x 17 x 1.5 cm, 0.45 kg

'… the book provides a nicely written introduction to the scientific theory of sea level variations, and is mainly intended for undergraduate students in a variety of disciplines, although it may be attractive for many oceanographers and professionals involved in coastal research … I was very much impressed by the excellent style of this book and the author's skill in presenting complicated questions of sea level theory in simple and understandable ways … this book is valuable, well written, and timely. Undoubtedly, it will be useful for students and postgraduates in a broad range of disciplines. It would also be helpful for many specialists working in adjacent disciplines.' Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

Flooding of coastal communities is one of the major causes of environmental disasters world-wide. This textbook explains at a basic level, how sea levels are affected by astronomical tides, by weather effects that generate extreme flooding events, and over the longer term by ocean circulation and climate trends. It also indicates how sea level changes are related to changing risks, coastal dynamics, geology and biology; and outlines some of the economic and legal implications. Based on courses taught by the author in the UK and the USA, this book is aimed at undergraduate students at all levels, with the text developed in such a way that non-basic mathematics is confined to Appendices and a web site (http://publishing.cambridge.org/resources/0521532183/). Changing Sea Levels will also interest and inform professionals in many fields including hydrography, coastal engineering, geology, biology and also coastal planning and economics.

Preface
Symbols
1. Introduction and measurements
2. Tidal forces and patterns
3. Analysis and prediction
4. Tidal dynamics
5. Tides near the coast
6. Weather and other effects
7. Mean sea level
8. Extreme sea levels
9. Tidal influences
Appendix I. Tidal potential
Appendix II. Glossary
Appendix III. Further reading
Appendix IV. Answers to selected questions
Index.

Subject Areas: Oceanography [seas RBKC]