Yearly variability is caused by variations in the mete- 

 orological and oceanographic parameters of wind, direct atmos- 

 pheric pressure, river discharge, currents, salinity, and 

 water temperature. About two- thirds of the yearly mean sea 

 level values will differ from the straight line slope by less 

 than the variability given in columns 6 and 9 (see note a on 

 table). About 95% of the yearly mean sea level values will 

 differ from the line by less than two times the variability, 

 and practically all the values will differ by less than three 

 times the variability. 



