Barystatic and steric sea level variations in the Baltic Sea and implications of water exchange with the North Sea in the satellite era

Satellite altimetry, satellite gravimetry, and in-situ subsurface salinity temperature profiles are used to investigate the total, barystatic, steric sea level variations in Baltic Sea, respectively. To estimate level, density weighted deeper layers prevent overestimation of their contribution. We show that sum barystatic components exhibits excellent cross correlation (0.9) with altimetry also explains up 84% total signal variability from 2002 2019. Considering dominance basin limitation gravimetry resolving mass change water-land transition zones (known as leakage problem), mismatch is likely attributed inadequate accuracy datasets. The its contributors further decomposed into seasonal, interannual, decadal temporal components. It shown despite insignificant contributions seasonal interannual changes, plays an important role variations. Additionally, we governed by North Atlantic Oscillation basin. variation Sea examined deduce water exchange patterns on different time scales. A drop can be seen 2005 2011 which followed a ~3-year lag, implying outflow Sea.