Recent sea level rise on Ireland's east coast based on multiple tide gauge analysis

Abstract

Abstract. We analysed multiple tide gauges from the east coast of Ireland over the period 1938–2018. We validated the different time series against each other and performed a missing value imputation exercise, which enabled us to produce a homogenised record. The recordings of all tide gauges were found to be in good agreement between 2003–2015, though this was markedly less so from 2016 to the present. We estimate the sea level rise in Dublin port for this period at 10 mm yr−1. The rate over the longer period of 1938–2015 was 1.67 mm yr−1 which is in good agreement with the global average. We found that the rate of sea level rise in the longer term record is cyclic with some extreme upward and downward trends. However, starting around 1980, Dublin has seen significantly higher rates that have been always positive since 1996, and this is mirrored in the surrounding gauges. Furthermore, our analysis indicates an increase in sea level variability since 1980. Both decadal rates and continuous time rates are calculated and provided with uncertainties in this paper.