Mean sea level

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001668",
  "term": "Mean sea level",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The average height of the sea surface over a long period, typically 19 years, which is used as a vertical datum for measuring land elevations and ocean depths. This reference level accounts for tidal fluctuations and short-term meteorological effects. It is a fundamental benchmark for geodesy, cartography, and climate change studies.",
    "(MSL) - The arithmetic mean of hourly water elevations observed over a specific 19-year tidal epoch."
  ],
  "abbreviation": "MSL",
  "see_also": [
    "still-water level"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/mean-sea-level/"
}