Effects of Sea State Bias on Global Mean Sea Level Trend

In this study, we exhibit the temporal variability of Sea State Bias (SSB) correction in TOPEX (sides A and B), Jason-1, Jason-2 and Jason-3 missions over 1993-2017 time span. Although the trend in long-term global mean 2D nonparametric SSB correction is not significant from zero (- 0.03±0.03 mm/yr, e.g., accounts for 1% of current global mean sea level rate) during 1993-2016, it contributes - 1.27±0.21 mm/yr and -0.26±0.13 mm/yr in TOPEX-A and Jason-2 missions, respectively. Also, the SSB trend in TOPEX-A may be partly related to the recently reported sea level trend drift during 1993-1998. On zonal average, SSB correction causes about 1% uncertainty in mean sea level trend. In regions with high significant wave height (SWH), the uncertainties grow to 2% and 4% at near 50°N and 60°S, respectively.