Sea Surface Height (SSH)

Sea Surface Height (SSH) refers to the measurement of the ocean's surface level at a specific location relative to a standard reference point, often an average sea level. Variations in SSH are caused by factors such as ocean currents, temperature changes, and gravitational effects of the moon and sun. Monitoring SSH helps scientists understand ocean circulation, climate patterns, and phenomena like El Niño. Technologies like satellite altimeters accurately measure these heights across the globe, providing essential data for weather prediction, sea level rise assessments, and understanding the health of our oceans.