The Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS), a component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), is establishing a well-designed, high-quality sea level observing network to support a broad research and operational user base.
Sea level data are vital for
![ocean circulation icon](/sites/gloss/files/images/gloss_ocean_circulation_120px.png)
Research into sea level change and ocean circulation
![coastal protection icon](/sites/gloss/files/images/gloss_coastal_engineering_120px.png)
Coastal protection during events such as storm surges
![flood warning icon](/sites/gloss/files/images/gloss_tsunamis_120px.png)
Providing flood warning and monitoring tsunamis
![tide tables icon](/sites/gloss/files/images/gloss_tide_tables_120px.png)
Tide tables for port operations, fishermen, and recreation
![ocean circulation icon](/sites/gloss/files/images/gloss_nat_local_datums_120px.png)
Defining datums for national or state boundaries
Sea level is one of the most useful oceanographic variables, used for a wide variety of scientific, economic and social purposes.