email: shetye@bcgoa.ernet.in
The "GLOSS-GOOS Training Workshop on Sea-Level Data Analysis" was held at the Geodetic & Research Branch, Survey of India, Dehra Dun, India during 21 November - 1 December 1995 at the initiative of the Intergovermental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) under the auspices of the "IOC-UNEP-WMO Pilot Activity on Sea-Level Changes and Associated Coastal Impacts" which is being implemented in the Indian Ocean since 1993. The Pilot Activity envisages setting up a a network of Cells for Monitoring and Analysis of Sea-Level (CMAS). The tasks of the scientists associated with each CMAS are to secure high quality sea-level data, to analyse these data to identify important features of variability, and to undertake reseach to understand the causes behind these features. The purpose of the workshop was to provide "hands-on" training in analysis of sea-level data using personal computers. CMAS from the following countries sent one representative each to undergo the training: Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius and Tanzania. Members of the Workshop faculty were: Dr. Tad Murty, National Tidal Facility, Flinders University of South Australia; Dr. Philip Woodworth, Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Bidston Observatory, UK; Mr. Patrick C. Caldwell, TOGA Sea-Level Centre, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA; Brig. B.S. Rajal, Geodetic & Research Branch, Survey of India; and, Dr. S.R. Shetye, National Institute of Oceanography, India.
The Workshop programme consisted of lectures on the physics of sea-level variability, techniques of sea-level measurement, and, techniques of sea-level analysis, including tidal analysis and prediction, determination of daily sea-level, and checks to determine sea-level data quality. Each participant was given a copy of of the sea level data processing software package developed at the TOGA Sea Level Centre, University of Hawaii. Most of the participants had brought with them data to analyse using the software package. They were also encouraged to use data from a CD-ROM entitled "Sea Level Data from TOGA Sea Level Centre and the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level" (CD-ROM NODC-42). Copies of the CD-ROM were sent to the participants in advance. Mr. Caldwell conducted the "hands-on" training sessions. Each participant had access to a personal computer to practice use of the software package.
The Workshop also provided a venue to exchange ideas on evolution of the Pilot Activity so far and to chart out its future course. The feeling among the participants was that considerable more effort will be needed to meet the objectives of this project. However, the workshop concluded on a positive note: that the training was a step in the right direction.
Note added by the editor: This is a shortened version of the full Workshop report which will be published by IOC during 1996.